Charlotte County Teen Acquitted of Murdering His Mother

A Charlotte County teen has successfully argued self-defense for the second time in about two years. Although this is a strange story that leaves many questions unanswered, it shows the strength of self-defense laws in Florida. If you have been accused of murder in Charlotte County and you believe that you acted in self-defense, speak with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.

Not Enough Evidence to Prove What Happened Inside the House 

In February of 2025, a jury in Charlotte County deliberated for 11 hours before unanimously finding a lack of evidence supporting the murder conviction of a 17-year-old. The teen had been accused of killing his own mother.

In September of 2024, the boy left his home to visit his grandmother after arguing with his mother about chores. Shortly afterward, his mother arrived to pick him up and bring him home. Witnesses then reported seeing a physical altercation between the mother and son.

After they returned home, another physical altercation broke out. Eventually, the teen called the police and told them that his mother was bleeding from the neck. It later became clear that the teen told 911 dispatchers that she fell on her own knife after a lengthy fight.

After the police arrived at the scene, the teen immediately told them that he wanted to speak with an attorney. He did not answer any questions. Regardless of what you think about this situation, this was a smart move. All defendants should avoid answering questions from police until they have had a chance to speak with legal counsel.

During the trial, the teen’s defense attorney changed the story – arguing that the mother had not in fact fallen on her own knife. Instead, the lawyer claimed that the teen acted in self-defense and used the mother’s knife against her.

In the end, the jury determined that the state did not prove beyond reasonable doubt that the physical altercation inside the home was murder. There simply was not enough evidence to convict the teen. Along with the implication that the teen probably acted in self-defense, this was enough to secure an acquittal.

This is the second time the teen has killed a parent in the space of about two years. In February of 2023, he shot and killed his own father. He was acquitted of murder in that case as well, partly because his attorney established that the father had mistreated the defendant.

Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Charlotte County Help Me? 

A Charlotte County criminal defense attorney may be able to help if you have been accused of murder. Although self-defense is a viable strategy in Florida, there may be other options worth discussing. Each case is different, and each situation requires a unique approach. Contact The Foley & Wilson Law Firm, discuss your specific circumstances, and get started with a defense strategy today.

Sources:

 fox4now.com/charlotte-county/port-charlotte-teen-accused-of-killing-his-mother-found-not-guilty-on-all-counts

nbcmiami.com/news/local/florida-17-year-old-acquitted-of-mothers-stabbing-death-a-year-after-killing-father/3536793/