A Seattle mother has been arrested after allegedly beating her 14-year-old son to death with an extension cord for failing to complete his chores. The 29-year-old woman reportedly told authorities that she “went too far” while disciplining the boy, according to police records cited by the New York Post.
911 call and police response
The woman contacted emergency services on Thursday afternoon, claiming that her son had become unresponsive after she spanked him with an extension cord. Responding officers found the teenager unconscious and rushed him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Details of the alleged assault
According to the police report, the mother admitted that she was angered by her son’s failure to do his chores and told him it was “butt-cutting time.” She allegedly ordered him to remove his clothing before striking him repeatedly with the extension cord. Authorities also allege that she shoved the boy against a wall, causing him to hit his head and lose consciousness. Despite this, she continued to strike him as he lay on the floor and then again after he managed to stand up, with the beating reportedly lasting for an hour.
Legal proceedings and defense arguments
Although the mother failed to appear for a bail hearing on Friday, her public defender, Zelena Jones, argued for her release, citing the emotional trauma she has suffered from losing her son.
“I know of the seriousness of these facts, but this also involves a mother losing her son and significant trauma she is experiencing from that,” Jones stated in court.
She further argued that incarceration would add to her client’s trauma, emphasizing the woman’s limited criminal history and cooperation with law enforcement.
Despite the defense’s arguments, the presiding judge sided with prosecutors, granting their request for a $3 million bail. Prosecutors have yet to formally charge the woman, whose name has not been publicly released. The victim is referred to as “J.R.” in police documents, and authorities expect to file charges by Tuesday.
This case has drawn significant attention, raising concerns over child abuse and the extent of parental discipline in the United States.
