On Christmas Eve, a domestic violence in Gulf Breeze left a mother dead and her teenage son in jail, charged with first degree murder after stabbing her to death, according to officials with the Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office (SRSO).
Brandon Aydelott, 17, Gulf Breeze, has been charged following a confession to investigators during an interview, reports say. His mother, Sharon Lynn Aydelott, is listed as the victim.
SRSO investigators say they determined the suspect had been arguing with the victim for a while. Reports say the suspect stabbed the victim several times with and struck her with a baseball bat. The victim succumbed to the wounds on scene. Her body was found by responding firefighters with the Midway Fire Department with a large kitchen knife still stuck in one of her eyes.
Investigators report the victim died inside her home, near the front door. Blood was found around her body, furniture, and smeared on the front door. Reports say her hands suffered defensive wounds and she had a large cut on her neck.
The suspect reportedly fled the scene after the stabbing. Deputies found him about three hours after he left. Deputies say the suspect was staying at a residence nearby where they found his vehicle. Law enforcement officers surrounded the home and tried to make contact. Brandon Aydelott surrendered without incident, according to reports.
Reports say Brandon Aydelott apparently had dried blood on his wrist or hand, but nothing on his clothing.
The suspect was taken to the Santa Rosa County Jail where he confessed to the murder, according to reports. The investigator wrote that the 17-year-old was "Calm, appeared to be emotionless, other than giving a small smile a few times during the interview."
A witness previously told investigators Brandon and his mom had been fighting for a couple of months, saying Brandon had moved out of his mother's home.
On Wednesday night, Brandon Aydelott remained in custody and was being held with no bond.
(Portions of this article were taken from a Sheriff's press release.)
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: SRSO: 17-year-old arrested for homicide in Gulf Breeze stabbing death (parental warning advised)