From Father to Mother: Teen's Violent Past Leads to Adult Trial

Collin Griffith's alleged crime spree: from father’s death to mother’s murder

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Teen accused of killing his father in Oklahoma

Seventeen-year-old Collin Griffith will face trial as an adult after being accused of killing his mother in Florida on September 8th.

Just a year earlier, Griffith had been accused of murdering his father in Lincoln County, Oklahoma, but those charges were dropped after he claimed self-defense and officials couldn’t disprove his story.

Now, Griffith is facing first-degree murder charges in Florida. Brian Haas, the State Attorney for Florida’s 10th Judicial Circuit, explained the decision to charge Griffith as an adult, stating it was based on "the egregious facts and circumstances of this case."

Florida and Oklahoma working together on case

Authorities from Florida and Oklahoma are collaborating to gather all necessary evidence.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office is pushing forward with the case, which will proceed without an arraignment. Haas emphasized the importance of ensuring justice is served and holding Griffith accountable for his alleged crimes.

In a press conference, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd didn't hold back, saying, "When I look at him, I see a psychopath. I see totally erratic behavior."

Judd described Griffith’s explanation of his mother’s death, where he claimed they had a long argument before she accidentally fell on a knife, killing herself.

This incident mirrors the events of the previous year when Griffith shot his father in what he also described as a self-defense situation during a heated fight. Lincoln County Sheriff Charlie Dougherty recalled the 911 call from Griffith, who claimed his father had cornered him with a knife, forcing him to shoot.

Catherine Griffith, 39, was allegedly killed after being stabbed in the neck during a confrontation with her son at her mother’s home in the Hamptons, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

The grand jury’s decision to indict Griffith on a charge of first-degree murder marks a significant step in the case. State Attorney Brian Haas noted that while charging a minor as an adult is never easy, the seriousness of the case warranted the decision.

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