ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A Tampa Bay mother has been charged with first-degree murder after authorities say she fatally stabbed her 4-year-old son.
St. Petersburg police say Tasha Trotter has not given a statement and it’s unclear why she allegedly killed her son.
Authorities responded to an apartment building Friday night and found Joseph Artis outside with multiple stab wounds. The boy was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The boy had been staying with his grandmother, who had legal custody.
Trotter had visitation rights and stopped by the apartment Friday night. At some point, police say she grabbed a knife from the kitchen and began stabbing the boy.
Officials say Trotter has a history of mental health issues. She was taken to Pinellas County Jail. It’s unclear if she has retained an attorney.
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