Topline: The teen proved self-defense in the shooting death of his father just 18 months prior.
Published: February 6, 2025 8:30 am ET
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Collin Griffith (via Polk County Sheriff's Office)
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL — A Florida teen was found not guilty on Wednesday of killing his mother less than two years after killing his father in self-defense.
According to WBBH, 17-year-old Collin Griffith was found not guilty of first-degree murder of his mother, Catherine Griffith, at a residence in Auburndale, Florida, in September 2024.
During a five-day trial, defense attorney Amy Thornhill argued Collin acted in self-defense, alleging his mother had a history of lying and threatening behavior. She said Catherine, 39, even pulled a gun on Collin once.
In 2023, Collin was found to have killed his father, but was able to prove self-defense due to the fact he was abused and neglected by his father.
In a news conference, the Polk County Sheriff’s office explained that around September 8, 2024, Collin and his mother had an “argument about chores,” causing him to run away to the home of his grandmother, who was out-of-town.
Police said Catherine drove to the home, where neighbors reported seeing the two arguing out front. Witnesses told police Collin grabbed his mother by the hair and dragged her inside the home.
Approximately two hours later, police received a call from Collin stating, “he had a fight with his mom, and she is bleeding from the neck.”
Authorities determined Collin stabbed his mother in the neck twice with a kitchen knife.
Upon arriving at the scene, Collin told police, “I know my rights, I want an attorney.”
He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Florida Teen Found Not Guilty of First-Degree Murder of Mother
The teen proved self-defense in the shooting death of his father just 18 months prior.
By Jacob Charles
Published: February 6, 2025 8:30 am ET
Collin Griffith (via Polk County Sheriff's Office)
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL — A Florida teen was found not guilty on Wednesday of killing his mother less than two years after killing his father in self-defense.
According to WBBH, 17-year-old Collin Griffith was found not guilty of first-degree murder of his mother, Catherine Griffith, at a residence in Auburndale, Florida, in September 2024.
During a five-day trial, defense attorney Amy Thornhill argued Collin acted in self-defense, alleging his mother had a history of lying and threatening behavior. She said Catherine, 39, even pulled a gun on Collin once.
In 2023, Collin was found to have killed his father, but was able to prove self-defense due to the fact he was abused and neglected by his father.
In a news conference, the Polk County Sheriff’s office explained that around September 8, 2024, Collin and his mother had an “argument about chores,” causing him to run away to the home of his grandmother, who was out-of-town.
Police said Catherine drove to the home, where neighbors reported seeing the two arguing out front. Witnesses told police Collin grabbed his mother by the hair and dragged her inside the home.
Approximately two hours later, police received a call from Collin stating, “he had a fight with his mom, and she is bleeding from the neck.”
Authorities determined Collin stabbed his mother in the neck twice with a kitchen knife.
Upon arriving at the scene, Collin told police, “I know my rights, I want an attorney.”
He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Florida Teen Found Not Guilty of First-Degree Murder of Mother
The teen proved self-defense in the shooting death of his father just 18 months prior.
By Jacob Charles
Published: February 6, 2025 8:30 am ET
Collin Griffith (via Polk County Sheriff's Office)
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL — A Florida teen was found not guilty on Wednesday of killing his mother less than two years after killing his father in self-defense.
According to WBBH, 17-year-old Collin Griffith was found not guilty of first-degree murder of his mother, Catherine Griffith, at a residence in Auburndale, Florida, in September 2024.
During a five-day trial, defense attorney Amy Thornhill argued Collin acted in self-defense, alleging his mother had a history of lying and threatening behavior. She said Catherine, 39, even pulled a gun on Collin once.
In 2023, Collin was found to have killed his father, but was able to prove self-defense due to the fact he was abused and neglected by his father.
In a news conference, the Polk County Sheriff’s office explained that around September 8, 2024, Collin and his mother had an “argument about chores,” causing him to run away to the home of his grandmother, who was out-of-town.
Police said Catherine drove to the home, where neighbors reported seeing the two arguing out front. Witnesses told police Collin grabbed his mother by the hair and dragged her inside the home.
Approximately two hours later, police received a call from Collin stating, “he had a fight with his mom, and she is bleeding from the neck.”
Authorities determined Collin stabbed his mother in the neck twice with a kitchen knife.
Upon arriving at the scene, Collin told police, “I know my rights, I want an attorney.”
He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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