“My mother needs to be destroyed,” 18-year-old son grabbed a knife and went for a walk with his mother to talk about their issues before he fatally stabbed her in the neck and then said she was kidnapped; arrested

Arizona – In a chilling incident in Arizona, an 18-year-old son, identified as A. Ashcroft, has been charged with the premeditated murder of his 38-year-old mother, identified as M. Collier, following what appeared to be a calculated attack that ended her life in a local field.

The tragic series of events unfolded early in the week when Ashcroft and his mother went for a walk to discuss ongoing personal conflicts. According to authorities, the body of 38-year-old Collier was discovered in a field nearby their home on Wednesday morning around 9:04 a.m. She was found with blood around her mouth and a broken kitchen knife next to her, signifying a violent struggle.

Minutes after the discovery, at 9:11 a.m., a report of a kidnapping involving Collier was made to the deputies. Ashcroft contacted 911, claiming his mother had been taken by unknown assailants during their walk. However, this story quickly began to unravel as further details came to light.

Upon the deputies’ arrival at the family home, Ashcroft attempted to flee but was apprehended. Disturbingly, he exhibited guilt immediately upon capture, asking deputies to shoot him and admitting he was “not innocent.” Investigation at the scene revealed that Ashcroft had returned home from the walk visibly disturbed with blood on his clothing, which he initially dismissed as ketchup.

Ashcroft’s brothers contributed to the investigation, noting the victim and the suspect had not spoken for three days due to ongoing disputes. The situation escalated the night before Collier’s death, with Ashcroft shouting hateful words at his mother. The next morning, supposed reconciliation turned deadly when the two set out to discuss their issues. According to court documents, while Collier was waiting for Ashcroft outside before their walk, he went into the kitchen and grabbed a knife.

Investigators found that the footprints at the crime scene matched Ashcroft’s shoes, and blood-stained clothes were located in his home. More damning was the discovery of Ashcroft’s journal, which contained entries that disturbingly outlined his intentions to end his mother’s life, stating, “My mother needs to be destroyed, for her own good. Do it if you want to save her soul.”

The journal entry further revealed Ashcroft’s conflicted emotions and a perceived call to action that led to the fateful decision on that Wednesday. Ashcroft detailed to deputies that after his mother and he had sat on hay bales in the field, he saw an opportunity to carry out his plan. During a struggle for the knife that Ashcroft had brought along, he ultimately overpowered Collier, resulting in her tragic death.

Following his arrest and hospitalization for a self-inflicted neck wound, Ashcroft was booked into jail facing charges of first-degree murder. The quick conviction of the jury reflects the gravity of his actions and the compelling evidence against him. His statement during the investigation confirmed the premeditated nature of the killing, aligning with the journal entries that portrayed his troubled thoughts.

This case has left the community in shock, with many expressing deep sympathy for the family and particularly the traumatic impact on Collier’s remaining children, who now must cope with the loss of her mother under horrific circumstances. The court has scheduled further proceedings, and as the legal process continues, the community seeks to heal from the unsettling events that have unfolded.