Port Charlotte teenager accused of murdering his mother had previously made deadly threats

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – New documents have shed light on the troubled family past of the Port Charlotte teenager accused of stabbing his mother to death, revealing a series of disturbing incidents that led to the fatal event.

Catherine Griffith, the woman found dead in her home on Sunday, was allegedly killed by her 17-year-old son, Collin Griffith.

According to sheriff's reports, the family had a history of violence, threats and mental health problems.

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Port Charlotte teenager accused of murdering his mother had previously made deadly threats

Last year, Collin shot and killed his father in Oklahoma on Valentine's Day, but the premeditated murder charge was dropped because the act was ruled self-defense. After the incident, Collin moved in with his mother in Port Charlotte, but their relationship continued to struggle.

In September of last year, Collin reported to his school resource officer at Florida Southwestern State College that his mother had pointed a gun at him and threatened to kill him. The report revealed that Catherine Griffith did indeed own a gun, but no evidence was found that she had threatened Collin with said weapon.

The mother told authorities that her son was suffering from complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being held captive for over a thousand days by his father, the same man Collin shot.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Collin made alarming statements when he was told he would be living with his mother again. He said, “Either I'm going to kill myself or I'm going to kill my mother by shooting or stabbing her.”

Collin was convicted several times under the Baker Act after threatening to kill not only his mother but also her therapist. Collin expressed a desire to be placed in a foster home.

Sheriff Judd reported another incident, saying, “She disciplined him and took away his video game privileges. So he hit his mother.” According to the records, during a domestic dispute, Collin stomped on and kicked his mother's hand after Collin claimed she hit him in the face.

These escalating threats and incidents of violence led to the fatal stabbing of Catherine Griffith on Sunday. Witnesses reported seeing Collin drag his mother into her home by her hair before stabbing her in the neck, according to investigators.

Neighbors are currently planning Catherine's funeral, which is set for Friday. The investigation is ongoing and more details are expected to emerge as the case progresses.

See previous coverage of text messages FOX 4 received from the neighbor.

Port Charlotte teenager accused of murdering his mother, claiming she fell on a knife