A 17-year-old boy has been arrested for allegedly stabbing his mother, 39-year-old Catherine ‘Cathy’ Griffith, to death. This incident follows a previous tragic event in which the same teen was involved in the fatal shooting of his father earlier this year. Griffith was reportedly killed by a deep knife wound, and the teenager faces charges of first-degree murder. In a poignant twist, Catherine’s final Instagram post, which has since gone viral, features an image of a bridge leading into a forest and a somber caption: “That old familiar body ache, The snaps from the same little breaks in your soul. You know when it’s time to go…Sometimes, givin’ up is the strong thing.”
Details of the Incident
The teenager reportedly called 911 claiming his mother had “fallen on a knife.” Upon arrival, police found him outside their home, covered in blood. Witnesses reported seeing an altercation between the boy and his mother before the stabbing. According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, neighbors observed the teen dragging his mother into the house by her hair. When authorities arrived, the boy appeared “calm, cool, collected – not upset,” and informed the police, “I know my rights, I want an attorney.”
Medical Examiner’s Findings
Catherine’s death was attributed to an 8-inch blade, and the medical examiner indicated that the injuries were inconsistent with an accidental wound. Sheriff Judd noted, “The medical examiner said it is not reasonable or plausible that she died the way that [her son] said she did.”
Previous Arrest for Domestic Violence
Earlier in 2023, the teen had been arrested for domestic violence against his mother, following an incident where he assaulted her after she removed his video game privileges. Reports indicate that he pushed her to the ground and stomped on her.
Father’s Shooting Incident
In February 2023, the teenager was also involved in a shooting incident in Oklahoma, where he fatally shot his father. The teen claimed self-defense, stating that his father had pursued him with a knife. After evaluating the evidence, District Attorney Adam Panter concluded that self-defense could not be ruled out, leading to no formal charges being filed.
