A 17-year-old Florida teenager has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly stabbing his mother to death in a brutal attack, just 19 months after facing charges for killing his father.
Catherine Griffith, a 39-year-old mother from Auburndale, Florida, met a tragic end on Sunday evening when she was fatally stabbed by her 17-year-old son. According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the attack occurred after an argument between the mother and son escalated outside his grandmother's home.
Witnesses claimed that Griffith's son dragged her into the residence by her hair, and she was heard pleading with him to "let me go." The sheriff, Grady Judd, described the incident as "horrific" and stated that the teen stabbed his mother in the neck "so hard that the knife went all the way through." He has since been charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, and violation of a no-contact order.
Florida Teen Accused of Murdering Mother in Horrific Knife Attack
Judd's disturbing account painted a picture of a troubled teenager with a history of mental health issues. The teen was previously charged with shooting and killing his father in Oklahoma in February 2023, but those charges were later dropped.
In a haunting premonition, Griffith posted lyrics from Taylor Swift's song "It's Time to Go" on her social media just hours before her death. The lyrics, which spoke of "snaps from the same little breaks in your soul" and recognizing "when it's time to go," have taken on a chilling significance in the wake of her murder.
Florida Teen Accused of Murdering Mother in Horrific Knife Attack
Griffith's Instagram page, once filled with images of happier times, now serves as a stark reminder of the tragedy that has befallen her family. Images of mother and son on joyful occasions now contrast with the horrific events of Sunday evening.
The teen's grandmother, who was not present during the altercation, revealed that he had been confrontational with his mother in the past. Sheriff Judd stated that the investigation had uncovered a pattern of violence, including an incident last November where the teen allegedly assaulted his mother and threatened to kill her with a knife or gun.
Florida Teen Accused of Murdering Mother in Horrific Knife Attack
Despite these alarming incidents, the teen was reunited with his family after spending time behind bars. Judd expressed outrage that the teen was not kept in custody, citing his "erratic behavior" and the danger he posed to others.
The investigation into Griffith's murder is ongoing, and Sheriff Judd has indicated that he intends to share any evidence with authorities in Oklahoma that could potentially implicate the teen in his father's death. The tragic events have left the Polk County community reeling and raised questions about the adequacy of mental health services for troubled youth.
Florida Teen Accused of Murdering Mother in Horrific Knife Attack
