Auburndale, Florida – Tragic Events Unfold as Teen Arrested for Mother’s Death
A disturbing incident unfolded in Auburndale, Florida, as a 17-year-old boy, Collin Griffith, was arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of his mother, Catherine Griffith. This shocking development comes more than a year after Collin was accused of killing his father in Oklahoma, a charge that was later dropped.
Details of the Incident
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported that they received a 911 call from Collin on Sunday, September 8. He claimed that his mother had died after falling on a knife during a heated argument between the two. In his report, Collin stated that Catherine had been attacking him with the knife before the tragic event occurred.
During a press conference, Sheriff Grady Judd relayed Collin’s comments, saying the teen told responders that his mother was “bleeding from the neck” and had suffered a critical injury after falling on the blade. However, responding authorities discovered that Collin appeared to be “calm, cool and connected” upon their arrival and had blood on his clothes, raising suspicions about his account.
Conflicting Reports from Witnesses
Witnesses, who were present before the fatal incident, painted a different picture of the events. They described seeing Collin grab his mother by her hair and drag her inside while she pleaded for him to stop. Reports from those witnesses indicated that Catherine repeatedly called out, “let me go,” highlighting the violent confrontation that took place prior to her death.
Collin’s History with Violence
This incident is not the first time Collin has faced serious accusations. In February 2023, he was named a suspect in the fatal shooting of his father in Lincoln County, Oklahoma. However, those charges were dropped a month later due to a lack of evidence that could disprove Collin’s claim of self-defense. The exact nature of the evidence that led to his initial charge has not been fully disclosed.
Investigation Developments
The investigation into Catherine Griffith’s death is ongoing. The Medical Examiner’s office found that Collin’s statement about the circumstances surrounding his mother’s death did not align with the forensic evidence. As the investigation continues, Polk County authorities have reached out to prosecutors in Oklahoma regarding the previous investigation into his father’s death. However, officials there have indicated that without new substantial information, they have no plans to reopen the case.
Current Legal Status
As of now, information regarding Collin’s legal representation or plea related to his mother’s death is not available. The community remains in shock as more details continue to unfold in this tragic case, revealing a young life entangled in violence and sorrow.
Moving Forward
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is committed to uncovering the truth behind this heartbreaking incident. As they gather more evidence and witness statements, they aim to provide answers to those affected by this tragedy. The community watches closely to see how this case will develop, hoping for justice for Catherine Griffith while keeping in mind the complex situation surrounding her son.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
