POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd held a press conference Wednesday to discuss the tragic homicide of a 39-year-old woman, Catherine Griffith, by her 17-year-old son, Collin Griffith.
Sheriff Judd described the chilling details of the crime and expressed his belief that Collin is a “psychopath” who showed “zero remorse” for his actions.
On Sunday, Deputies responded to a 9-1-1 call from Collin at his grandmother’s house in Auburndale, who claimed his mother had fallen on a knife during a fight.
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However, the evidence contradicted his story, including witness statements and the autopsy report. It was revealed that Collin had dragged his mother into the house by her hair and stabbed her with a 12-inch knife, causing her death.
Collin Griffith has been charged with first-degree murder, and the State Attorney’s office is being urged to prosecute him as an adult.
A History of Violence
Sheriff Judd revealed a disturbing timeline of Collin’s violent behavior:
- February 14, 2023: Collin shot and killed his father in Oklahoma, claiming self-defense. Charges were dropped due to lack of evidence.
- September 2023: Collin was Baker Acted after threatening to kill himself or his mother.
- November 2023: Collin was arrested for domestic violence against his mother after she disciplined him.
- February 12, 2024: Collin ran away to his grandmother’s house in Auburndale. He was turned over to DCF after his mother and grandmother expressed concerns for their safety.
- February 14, 2024: Collin was reunited with his mother despite stating he would use any force necessary, including killing her, to avoid going home.
- September 6, 2024: Collin had another argument with his mother and fled to his grandmother’s house again.
- September 8, 2024: Catherine Griffith drove to Auburndale to bring Collin home. Witnesses saw them arguing, and Collin dragged her into the house.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are re-examining the circumstances surrounding his father’s death in Oklahoma.
Sheriff Judd concluded by stating that Collin is a dangerous individual who poses a threat to society and needs to be held accountable for his actions.
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