Teenager to be tried as an adult for murder of his mother; already arrested for death of his father

Polk County, Fla. (Kokh) — A teenager arrested in connection with the deaths of his father and mother will be tried as an adult.

17-year-old Collin Griffith is accused of killing his mother in Florida on September 8. In 2023, he was accused of murdering his father in Lincoln County, Oklahoma.

Charges of first-degree murder of his father were dropped after officials could not disprove his claim of self-defense.

Because Griffith is now charged with first-degree murder in the death of his mother, Florida District Attorney Brian Haas decided “due to the egregious facts and circumstances of this case” that he be tried as an adult, Haas said.

Haas said Polk County law enforcement in Florida continues to work with Oklahoma authorities to ensure they have all the information and evidence needed for the case.

No charges will be filed in connection with the murder charge in Polk County.

“My prosecutors and the Polk County Sheriff's Office officials will continue to work together to seek justice in this case and hold Collin Griffith accountable for his murder,” Haas said.

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