Florida Teen Acquitted in Mother’s Killing After Claiming Self-Defense

Collin Griffith, 17, was found not guilty of stabbing his mother in 2024, two years after fatally shooting his father in a separate self-defense case.

• Collin Griffith was acquitted of first-degree murder and kidnapping charges in the stabbing death of his mother, Catherine Griffith, in September 2024.
• The defense argued that the teenager acted in self-defense during a fight, citing Catherine's history of violence toward her son, including an incident where she reportedly pointed a gun at him.
• Prosecutors contended that Collin stabbed his mother in the neck and watched her die, but the jury found there was reasonable doubt about his intent and actions.
• In 2023, Collin fatally shot his father, Charles Griffith, claiming self-defense; charges in that case were dropped due to insufficient evidence to disprove his claim.
• Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd expressed continued belief that Collin was responsible for both his parents' deaths, though the jury was not convinced beyond a reasonable doubt in either case.

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