17-Year-Old ‘Psychopath’ Claims Mom ‘Fell on Knife’ After Shocking Text, Just a Year After Dad’s Murder!

Shocking Twist: Teen Arrested for Stabbing Mother Just a Year After Father’s Murder

In a shocking turn of events, a teenager has been arrested for allegedly stabbing his mother to death, just a year after he was involved in the fatal shooting of his father. This chilling case has left a community in disbelief and raises serious questions about the events leading up to the tragedy.

Overview of the Incident: Mother Stabbed by Son

Seventeen-year-old Collin Griffith stands accused of stabbing his mother, Catherine, twice in the neck during an argument late Sunday night. Local authorities revealed that Griffith claimed his mother fell on the knife, a disturbing assertion given the circumstances surrounding the events.

Details Surrounding the Stabbing Incident

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, neighbors reported witnessing Griffith dragging his mother outside by her hair prior to the emergency call he made around 6:30 PM. The authorities arrived shortly after to discover Catherine with severe injuries. Sheriff Grady Judd described the scene: “He didn’t say he killed her; he just said she’s bleeding from the neck.” This lack of emotional response raised immediate red flags for investigators.

A Troubling Past: Collin’s Previous Offense

This recent incident isn’t the first time Collin has found himself in serious trouble. In February 2023, he was charged with first-degree murder after he shot his father, Charles, during a confrontation. Although the charges were later dropped after he claimed self-defense, the fact remains that the young man has a disturbing history of violence. The question now is, why was he allowed to return home after such a grave offense?

Chilling Text Messages: A Mother’s Desperation

In the hours leading up to her tragic death, Catherine reached out to a neighbor with a clear plea for help. Text messages revealed her fear for her safety and concern over her son’s behavior. One poignant message read, “Please do NOT let Collin OR the police into my home. I’m not opening my door.” These messages offer a haunting glimpse into the escalating tension within the household.

Law Enforcement’s Response to the Grievous Situation

Upon arriving at Griffith’s home, the deputies encountered a calm and collected young man—an unsettling contrast given the circumstances. Sheriff Judd noted that Griffith had blood on him, which only intensified the investigation.

The 12-inch knife found at the scene was particularly alarming, especially considering that around eight inches of the blade were submerged in blood. As the investigation unfolded, medical examiners determined that the injuries sustained by Catherine were inconsistent with Griffith’s account of events.

The Arrest: First-Degree Murder Charges

Collin Griffith has since been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Sheriff Judd has described him as a “psychopath,” emphasizing the danger he poses. “When I look at him, I see a psychopath. He’s violent. He’s dangerous. He showed zero remorse,” Judd stated unequivocally.

Revisiting the Past: The Repercussions of Collin’s Actions

The nature of Collin’s previous crime, along with the recent events, begs the question: What systems failed here? As residents come to grips with the enormity of the situation, many are left wondering how a teenage boy with such a violent past could be given another chance, only for it to end in tragedy.

Mental Health Concerns: The Baker Act Invocation

Adding another layer to this already complex case is the fact that just six months before the stabbing, Griffith was Baker Acted, a Florida law that permits involuntary hospitalization for mental health evaluations. Sources claim he had made threats to harm both himself and his mother, clearly indicating a serious lapse in monitoring or intervention.

Conclusion: A Community in Shock

As the investigation continues and details emerge, it’s crucial for the Polk County community to seek answers to the myriad of questions surrounding this harrowing case. With both a father and a mother lost to violence at the hands of their own son, this story highlights the urgent need for mental health support and more stringent evaluations of youths with violent histories.

In the coming weeks, the justice system will take center stage as Collin Griffith faces the consequences of his actions, serving as a stark warning about the potential for unchecked violence within families.