Mortgage forgiven for woman, 90, who shot herself

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Oct 5, 2008 at 1:09 PM EST

Story Updated: Oct 5, 2008 at 1:09 PM EST

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Mortgage finance company Fannie Mae said it is forgiving the mortgage debt of a 90-year-old woman who shot herself in the chest as sheriff's deputies attempted to evict her.

Addie Polk's plight was cited by Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, on Friday before the House voted to approve the $700 billion financial rescue package. Kucinich voted against the plan.

Fannie Mae announced later Friday that it would dismiss its foreclosure action, forgive Polk's mortgage and allow her to return to the Akron home where she's lived since 1970.

"Just given the circumstances, we think it's appropriate," Fannie Mae spokesman Brian Faith said, citing Kucinich's statement and news reports. "It certainly made our radar screen."

Polk remained in Akron General Medical Center and was expected to recover from chest wounds suffered last week.

She became the home's sole owner in 1995 when her husband died, then took out a mortgage loan in 1997 and refinanced several times, court and property records show.

Countrywide Home Loans filed for foreclosure last year, and Polk's home was sold to Fannie Mae at a sheriff's auction in June. Deputies were to escort Polk from her home Wednesday when gunshots were heard inside.

Polk's longtime neighbor, Robert Dillon, climbed through her window and found her lying in bed bleeding with a gun next to her. He visited Polk in the hospital on Friday.

"She said it was a crazy thing to do, now that she's had time to think about it," Dillon said.

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Information from: Akron Beacon Journal, http://www.ohio.com

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 10:53 AM Concerned wrote ...

Ok, so I owe about 27 more years on my 30 year home mortgage. If I attempt suicide, it will be forgiven? Do I have to use a gun?? Or do I have to wait until I am in my 60's?

Monday, Oct 6 at 10:18 PM carol wrote ...

the poor woman. i feel so bad for her. u would think if we r bailing out the mortgage companys they could give people their houses back. the big companys r getting a second chance, why cant all the people who lost their houses get their second chance too... lets face it. its not the homeowners fault all the factorys r closing up, and everyones losing their jobs. i dont blame the woman for doing that to herself its better than living in a cardboard box, and starving to death......

Monday, Oct 6 at 9:23 PM anon wrote ...

where do i have to shoot myself to get my car loan forgiven, my left foot maybe?

Monday, Oct 6 at 7:21 PM Chris wrote ...

What do you mean after the suicide attempt they get it? When you borrow money you are supposed to pay it back. Until Obama takes over, I don't see the gov't giving away houses, even though I know, we are all victims & entitled. I am not defending the mortgage co either; there is enough blame to go around. It is why we are in this mess, she should have never been loaned the money to begin with, but the house was collateral so they didn't care.

Monday, Oct 6 at 4:10 PM Hmmm wrote ...

Watch this become the next trend!

Monday, Oct 6 at 12:44 PM deb wrote ...

why would or how could a mtg co. give a 84 yr person a 30 yr mtg. do they know something about longevity of life that we don't?

Monday, Oct 6 at 8:09 AM Just me wrote ...

If I shoot myself, will you forgive my mortgage too?

Sunday, Oct 5 at 7:16 PM bee wrote ...

gee that mighty nice of them.after she shoots herself.poor woman just didnt want to leave her home.probably all she had.

Sunday, Oct 5 at 5:22 PM Julie wrote ...

how generous. After the suicide attempt they get it.

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