BREVARD COUNTY — Chris Balter, the director of planning and development services for Indian River County, was arrested earlier this week after police said he gave his sickly grandfather several medications, including the sedative Ambien, that possibly played a role in his death. Chris Balter admitted to a longtime friend during a phone conversation on Feb. 1 that he “killed” his grandfather, arrest reports show.
Chris Balter PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY BREVARD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Chris Balter lived with his grandfather, Gilbert Balter, at a home in Palm Bay. Officers said Gilbert Balter was never prescribed Ambien and that the prescription bottles belonged to Chris Balter.
About 19 days before Gilbert Balter’s death, he told his case manager that he wanted to live longer, according to police. Chris Balter told his friend that he “helped (Gilbert Balter) to his next life,” reports show.
Medical examiners said Gilbert Balter died from atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. But, examiners also detected morphine, Ambien and Lorazepam in Gilbert Balter’s blood.
The manner of death was ruled as “undetermined.”
“The combination of Morphine, Zolpidem (Ambien) and Lorazepam toxicity cannot be ruled out as contributory to the death,” medical examiner officials said.
An independent toxicologist reported that the “amount of Ambien found in (Gilbert Balter’s) blood was within a therapeutic range of dosage and cannot testify the Ambien did or could have caused the death of (Gilbert Balter).”
Police in Palm Bay also said Chris Balter forged his friend’s signature on a quit claim deed to gain ownership of his grandfather’s residence.
“The document was falsified and submitted by Chris Balter less than a month prior to him feeding Gilbert Balter his Ambien,” Palm Bay police said in the arrest report.
Chris Balter, 35, of the 1900 block of Gould Avenue, Palm Bay, was charged on Monday with sale or delivery of a controlled substance and forgery, which are both third-degree felonies, reports show. Chris Balter was released on Tuesday from the Brevard County Jail on a $22,500 bond.
Gilbert Balter was in his 90s and on hospice care at the time of his death, reports show. Police said Chris Balter attempted to have his grandfather cremated so there would be no evidence left behind.
Chris Balter submitted his resignation letter on Wednesday to Indian River County officials.
“Serving this community has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. I am incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished together. I have had the privilege of working with an exceptional team of dedicated professionals, and I will always be grateful for the support, collaboration, and shared commitment to public service that I experienced here,” Chris Balter wrote in the letter.
“At this time, I have made the difficult but necessary decision to step away so that I can give my full attention to resolving a personal matter that requires my focus. This will allow me to move forward with clarity and peace of mind, while ensuring that I continue to uphold the values of integrity and accountability that have guided my public service. I remain confident in my contributions to the county and am proud of the legacy I leave behind.”
“I thank you for the trust placed in me and for the opportunity to serve Indian River County. I wish the organization continued success and will do everything I can to support a smooth transition during my remaining time.”
John Titkanich, Indian River County Administrator, announced Chris Balter’s resignation in an email to county staff. Titkanich said Ryan Sweeney, the assistant director of planning & development services, will serve as the acting director of planning and development.
“It is with a sense of duty and responsibility that I inform you of the resignation of Chris Balter, our director of planning and development services. Chris has chosen to step down to devote his full attention to a personal matter that necessitates his focus,” Titkanich said.
Titkanich called for county officials to continue to stay focused on work and public service.
“We acknowledge that this announcement may come as unexpected and may prompt various inquiries. Please be assured that the leadership team is dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition and the uninterrupted continuation of our projects and services. We are diligently working on transition arrangements and will provide updates as they become available.”
Chris Balter worked for Indian River County since 2023 and held other positions including chief of long-range planning and senior long-range planning. Chris Balter previously worked in Palm Bay from 2013 to 2020 and held positions including senior planner, city planner and permit technician.
