Mum’s final text before being allegedly murdered by son exposed.
In a deeply unsettling case, 17-year-old Collin Griffith has been arrested in Florida, accused of stabbing his mother, Catherine Griffith, to death.
Mum’s tragic death explained.
This follows a disturbing history of family violence, including Collin previously shooting his father in what he claimed was self-defense.
Catherine, 39, was discovered fatally injured at her mother’s house in Polk County on September 8, 2024.
Collin reportedly called authorities that day, stating his mother had died after falling on a knife during an argument.
However, a medical examiner later dismissed this explanation, citing the nature of her injuries as inconsistent with an accident.
Witnesses claim Collin forcibly dragged Catherine into the home shortly before the fatal incident occurred.
He now faces charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
The case has left the community reeling, with many struggling to process the series of tragic events.
The incident sheds light on a fraught family dynamic, marked by prior accusations against Collin involving his father’s death.
Collin’s history of violence recalled.
In February 2023, Collin fatally shot his father, Charles Griffith, in Oklahoma, claiming self-defense during a domestic dispute.
Prosecutors at the time dropped charges due to a lack of evidence disproving his account.
After the incident, Collin relocated to Florida to live with his mother, Catherine.
Tensions between the two escalated over time, culminating in several documented altercations.
Late in 2023, Collin was arrested for domestic violence after a physical altercation involving his mother.
Body camera footage from that arrest captured him voicing fears about his mother and making statements about potentially harming her.
Polk County authorities described Collin as a “dangerous individual” with a troubling history of violence.
Sheriff Grady Judd said Collin’s actions indicate a pattern of predatory behavior.
Prosecutors are seeking to try him as an adult due to the severity of the charges.
Despite these troubling signs, Catherine paid a $50,000 bail for Collin’s release following his father’s death.
In the months before her murder, Catherine expressed growing concern about Collin’s erratic and aggressive behavior.
Messages she sent to a neighbor indicated she felt unsafe and believed her son harbored deep resentment toward her.
Catherine’s alarming text messages revealed.
On the day of her death, Catherine texted a neighbor asking for their help in keeping Collin and police away from her home.
One text read, “Please do not let Collin or police into my home. I’m not opening my door, and according to my attorney, they have no authority to make me speak with them or come inside.”
She followed with a warning: “Please don’t come down and try to come in because they will follow you in if you unlock my door. I’m fine and safe. Collin just hates me, and I’m tired of this crap.”
As tensions escalated, Catherine became increasingly worried about her son violating probation.
She messaged her neighbor again, saying, “If Collin texts you again, please tell him he needs to come home. He’s violating his probation, which he was supposed to be off of October 6, 2024.”
She added, “I’m meeting his probation officer Monday morning if he doesn’t come home today by 10 a.m.”
Her final text shared her decision to drive to her mother’s house and bring Collin home herself.
Tragically, that decision led to a fatal confrontation, with Collin later calling the police to report his mother’s death.
Catherine’s loved ones continue to mourn.
Catherine, a dedicated educator and mother, is remembered by friends and neighbors as a resilient and loving person.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about the family’s troubled history and whether signs of danger were missed.
The tragedy underscores the devastating effects of familial violence and the urgent need for intervention in volatile situations.