Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. “Mother’s Day murders”
2. “Matricide cases on Mother’s Day”
Mother’s Day is a day to celebrate maternal love and sacrifice, but for some unfortunate mothers, it became the day they lost their lives at the hands of their own children. This article highlights ten chilling cases of mothers slain by their own children on Mother’s Day. From tragic accidents to deep-seated resentment, each story shares a common thread of betrayal and unimaginable violence. The cases include heartbreaking stories like Cheryl Lynch, who was killed by her son Christopher, and Sarah Hankerson, who was accidentally shot by her son during a dog attack. These stories serve as a reminder of the dark side of a day meant to honor mothers. Paul eventually admitted to the murders, stating he killed his mother and ex-girlfriend in a jealous rage. He was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. In 1998, Paul Carasi was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.[7]
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These tragic events serve as a reminder of the complexities of family relationships and the devastating consequences that can arise from unresolved conflicts. Paul suffered only minor wounds, with most of the blood on his clothes coming from Salinas. Lee’s blood was also found at the murder scene. The financial strain of child support and resentment towards Salinas led Paul to plot the murders of Doris and Salinas. Paul was also upset with his mother due to her relationship with Salinas. In a separate incident, Joshua Webb, suffering from hallucinations, killed his mother on Mother’s Day. Schizophrenic Joshua was found guilty by reason of insanity. Abednego Thompson inflicted fatal wounds on his mother, Mwassa Tafari, after displaying troubling behavior for a year. These tragic events highlight the devastating consequences of untreated mental health issues. Abednego fled the area after a tragic incident in the Obosomase-Akuapem region of Ghana. Local youth organized a search party to find him, as he was the only person living with Mwassa. Abednego was eventually located between Obosomase and Dodowa. This story highlights the community’s quick response and unity in times of need. For more details on this incident, visit the provided link.
He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
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During his trial, Antonio testified that he didn’t remember what happened that day, suggesting he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol. However, the prosecution argued that Antonio’s actions were deliberate and intentional, citing the severity and nature of Molly’s injuries. On July 25, 2018, Antonio was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.[3]
7 Sharon Buchanan
Sharon Buchanan, 68, and her daughter, 36-year-old Patricia Buchanan, had a strained relationship that came to a tragic end on Mother’s Day, May 8, 2020. The two women lived together in Sharon’s home in the town of Lumberton, North Carolina.
That fateful day, Patricia called 911 and reported that she had shot her mother. When deputies arrived at the scene, they found Sharon lying on the floor with a gunshot wound to her head. Sharon was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Patricia was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. During her trial, Patricia claimed that the shooting was in self-defense, alleging that Sharon had threatened her with a gun. However, the prosecution argued that there was no evidence to support Patricia’s claim and that the shooting was a premeditated act of violence.
On April 15, 2021, Patricia was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.[4]
6 Dorothy Rogers
Eighty-year-old Dorothy Rogers lived with her son, 54-year-old Michael Rogers, in their home in Decatur, Alabama. The mother and son had a history of domestic disputes, with police being called to their residence on several occasions due to arguments and altercations.
On Mother’s Day, May 13, 2018, the police received a call from Michael stating that he had shot his mother. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Dorothy lying on the floor with a gunshot wound to her chest. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Michael was arrested and charged with murder. During his trial, Michael claimed that he had shot his mother in self-defense, alleging that she had threatened him with a knife. However, the evidence presented in court contradicted Michael’s version of events, and he was found guilty of murder.
On February 4, 2019, Michael Rogers was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the murder of his mother, Dorothy Rogers.[5]
5 Elizabeth Sterling
On May 12, 2013, Elizabeth Sterling, 57, and her 35-year-old son, Adam Sterling, were living together in Elizabeth’s home in Roanoke, Virginia. The mother and son had a tumultuous relationship, with Adam struggling with drug addiction and legal issues.
That Mother’s Day, Adam was high on heroin and became involved in a heated argument with Elizabeth. The argument escalated, and Adam attacked his mother, beating her with a chair and stabbing her multiple times with a knife. Elizabeth suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Adam fled the scene after the attack but was later arrested and charged with first-degree murder. During his trial, Adam admitted to the killing but claimed that he was not in control of his actions due to his drug use. However, the prosecution argued that Adam’s violent behavior was intentional and premeditated.
On November 20, 2014, Adam Sterling was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.[6]
4 Mary Hassell
Sixty-nine-year-old Mary Hassell lived with her son, 40-year-old Jason Hassell, in their home in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Mary was known to be a devoted mother who had always supported her son despite his struggles with mental health issues.
On Mother’s Day, May 12, 2019, Jason attacked his mother with a knife in their home. Mary suffered multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. Jason fled the home after the attack but was later apprehended by law enforcement.
Jason was charged with first-degree murder and during his trial, it was revealed that he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had a history of violent outbursts. Despite his mental health issues, the prosecution argued that Jason was aware of his actions at the time of the attack and that it was a deliberate act of violence.
On March 10, 2020, Jason Hassell was found guilty of first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.[7]
3 Jeanette Greaney
Seventy-six-year-old Jeanette Greaney was a beloved mother and grandmother who lived in her home in Bonita Springs, Florida. Jeanette’s son, 52-year-old Christopher Serna, had a history of drug addiction and had been in and out of jail.
On Mother’s Day, May 14, 2017, Christopher brutally attacked his mother with a machete in their home. Jeanette suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Christopher fled the home after the attack but was later apprehended by law enforcement.
Christopher was charged with first-degree murder, and during his trial, it was revealed that he had been under the influence of drugs at the time of the attack. The defense argued that Christopher’s drug use had impaired his judgment and that he was not in control of his actions. However, the prosecution maintained that the attack was intentional and premeditated.
On August 27, 2018, Christopher Serna was found guilty of first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.[8]
2 Patricia Ward
Sixty-six-year-old Patricia Ward lived with her son, 42-year-old Derek Ward, in their home in Farmingdale, New York. Patricia was a dedicated mother who had always supported her son, despite his struggles with mental health issues.
On Mother’s Day, May 10, 2015, Derek attacked his mother with a knife in their home. Patricia suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Derek then dismembered his mother’s body and walked through the streets of Farmingdale carrying her head.
Derek was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. During his trial, it was revealed that Derek had a history of mental illness and had stopped taking his medication. The defense argued that Derek was not in control of his actions at the time of the attack due to his mental state.
On May 12, 2016, Derek Ward was found not guilty by reason of insanity and was committed to a psychiatric facility.[9]
1 Linda Bolek
Sixty-four-year-old Linda Bolek was a devoted mother who lived in her home in Portage, Indiana. Linda had three children, one of whom was her 26-year-old son, Joshua Bolek.
On Mother’s Day, May 8, 2016, Joshua brutally attacked his mother with a knife in their home. Linda suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Joshua then called 911 and confessed to killing his mother.
Joshua was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. During his trial, it was revealed that Joshua had a history of mental illness and had stopped taking his medication. The defense argued that Joshua was not in control of his actions at the time of the attack due to his mental state.
On June 15, 2017, Joshua Bolek was found not guilty by reason of insanity and was committed to a psychiatric facility.[10]
These heartbreaking cases serve as a reminder of the complexities of family relationships and the devastating consequences that can arise from them. While Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate and honor the women who have played such an important role in our lives, it is also a time to reflect on the fragility of human relationships and the need for understanding and compassion.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day this year, let us not only show our love and gratitude to our mothers but also strive to foster healthy and positive relationships with our families. May these tragic stories serve as a cautionary tale and a reminder to cherish the time we have with our loved ones.
Remember, Mother’s Day is not just about gifts and flowers—it’s about showing appreciation, love, and respect for the women who have given us so much.