A 17-year-old Florida boy faces trial for allegedly murdering his mother in September 2024, just over a year after being cleared of responsibility for his father's death in what was deemed self-defense.
Collin Griffith is accused of stabbing and killing his mother, Catherine Griffith, 39, during an argument at his grandmother's home in Auburndale, Florida.
The confrontation began after Collin ran away from home to his grandma's after an argument with his mother over chores, authorities said per WBBH. The incident occurred while his grandmother was away in the Florida Keys.
Catherine reportedly drove to her mother's home around 4 p.m. on September 8 and attempted to persuade her son to return.
The two were arguing outside the residence before Collin dragged his mother into the house by her hair, according to witnesses.
"I had a fight with my mom, and she is bleeding from the neck," Collin said in a 911 call around two hours later.
Collin allegedly used a kitchen knife to stab his mother twice in the neck, investigators from the Polk County Sheriff's Office later determined.
"I know my rights, I want an attorney," Collin said when deputies arrived.
He was arrested at the scene and is now facing a first-degree murder charge.
The latest murder marks a dark twist to an already disturbing story. In 2023, Collin was arrested for domestic battery after injuring his mother and spent a night in jail before being released.
"Don't put me in the car with her. I'm going to kill her," a deputy at the time reportedly recalled Collin saying. "I'm in a constant state of fight or flight, and I don't know, if I think she's going to do something, even if she's not, I might act."
Collin also pleaded to go to a foster home.
The teen's previous violent encounter involved his father, whom he shot and killed in Oklahoma. That death was ruled an act of self-defense due to evidence of neglect and abuse. Collin reportedly was confined to the family farm, fed just one meal a day, and had post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues.
Jury selection for this case began Monday.
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