17-year-old Collin Griffith from Port Charlotte is now a suspect for first-degree murder in the death of his mom, Catherine Griffith, who died on September 11, 2024. The tragedy comes to a fatal finish with several violent incidents, including past police involvement and posts that lead to a toxic relationship.
After his mother’s murder, authorities discovered that Collin had first called 911, stating that he and his mother had had a violent conflict. He stated that during the battle, Catherine rushed at him with a knife and came on it, causing a fatal stab wound to her neck. But, the medical examiner’s report contradicted this claim, determining that the injuries could not have been caused by a fall.
Background of Domestic Violence and Prior Arrest
In November 2023, deputies responded to a report of domestic violence at the Griffith home after Collin Griffith was accused of attacking his mother. The body camera footage from that incident shows Catherine telling deputies that her son had stomped on her and kicked her during the altercation. Collin was briefly taken into custody but returned to the house the next day. Later on, the deputies received a disturbing report where Collin was suspected of having said something about killing his mother. When questioned, he denied saying so.
The teenage boy was finally Baker. Acting with caution, further research found an ongoing pattern of contact between him and his mother. As to the affidavit, Collin expressed anxiety of coming home, showing he would harm himself or his mother. Also, months before Catherine’s death, he was arrested for alleged domestic violence.
Griffith’s Troubled Past: Father’s Death and Past Arrests
Collin Griffith life changed suddenly in February 2023, when his father was shot and died in Oklahoma. He went to be jailed in connection with the incident, but the charges eventually went away after evidence showed that the shot was in self-defence. However, the sad tragedy of his father’s murder may have led to his difficult relationship with his mother, leading to the violent altercations that resulted in her death.
Statements and Arrests. Capture Disturbing Patterns
Collin Griffith is heard telling his grandma on body camera footage from November 2023, “I was saying, ‘Mom, I’m not a psychopath. I’m not this murderer. I’m just trying to peacefully leave or peacefully coexist,’” However, he also claimed that his mother became aggressive when he wouldn’t stop talking. The video shows a chaotic home life marked by unresolved anger and increasing conflict.
Collin Griffith’s trial for murder and kidnapping will begin next week in the Polk County Courthouse. The story shows the constant tragedy of domestic abuse and the terrible impacts on families.
