AUBURNDALE, FL – In a courtroom charged with tension and anticipation, 17-year-old Colin Griffith was acquitted of the shocking charges of kidnapping and murdering his own mother, Kathy Griffith. After a grueling 11-hour deliberation, the jury delivered a not guilty verdict, concluding a case that has gripped the community since the tragic events unfolded five months ago.
The incident took place in Auburndale, where Colin was accused of stabbing his mother during a violent confrontation in his grandmother’s home. Prosecutors argued that the altercation stemmed from a conflict over discipline, suggesting that Colin acted out of anger. However, the defense presented a different narrative, contending that Colin acted in self-defense against his mother’s aggressive behavior.
Public defender Amy Thornhill portrayed Colin as a frightened teenager, caught in a desperate situation with a mother who, according to her, exhibited violent tendencies. Colin’s grandmother supported this depiction, describing Kathy’s behavior as erratic and threatening, which painted a more nuanced picture of the family dynamics at play.
As the verdict was read, Colin embraced his defense team, relief washing over him and his family members, who had been anxiously awaiting the outcome. The courtroom atmosphere shifted from suspense to relief, as Colin’s aunt and grandmother shared in the emotional moment.
The prosecution, led by Mark Lavine, had presented evidence including body camera footage where Colin expressed a reluctance to harm his mother, stating he would only defend himself if attacked. Despite the prosecution’s efforts, the jury sided with the defense, acknowledging the complexity of the situation and the reasonable doubt presented.
The verdict has sparked a range of reactions, with some questioning the justice system’s handling of the case. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd expressed disappointment, maintaining that Colin was guilty, while the defense team celebrated the jury’s careful consideration of the facts.
This case is not Colin’s first encounter with tragedy. A year prior, he fatally shot his father in Oklahoma, also claiming self-defense. Though charges were not pursued in that case, it added a layer of complexity to the recent trial. The jury, however, was not informed of his father’s death.
Colin faced the possibility of life imprisonment for the charges, but the jury’s decision has granted him freedom. The case has reignited discussions on self-defense laws and the challenges of navigating family violence in legal contexts.