JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Mitchell Daughtry, a 14-year old accused of killing his mom, will be charged as an adult.
Daughtry stood in shackles in juvenile court Thursday where a judge ruled there was probable cause for his arrest.
A representative from the Justice Coalition was with several of Daughtry's family members in the courtroom and she said the family is asking for privacy because this is an emotional time for them.
Some of the family members were teary eyed after the judge's decision.
The judge asked the media not to take video of his face because it was juvenile court but because of the severity of the charges and because Daughtry will be charged as an adult, Action News Jax is showing his mug shot.
Police said Daughtry stabbed his mother, Pamela Daughtry, to death, stole the family car, then drove down to south Florida, where police tracked him down.
Police say Daughtry sent text messages and phone calls, indicating he killed his mother.
Investigators said Daughtry is suicidal and angry because his dad was in jail for alleged sex crimes involving an unrelated child.
Daughtry was Baker Acted and given a mental health evaluation following statements he made to police.
"It's very disturbing to hear and we're very sorry for the remaining family," neighbor Debbie Cascone said. "I know he's got to be so distraught for what he did."
Investigators said Daughtry is suicidal and angry because his dad was in jail for alleged sex crimes involving an unrelated child.
Daughtry was Baker Acted and given a mental health evaluation following statements he made to police.
"It's very disturbing to hear and we're very sorry for the remaining family," neighbor Debbie Cascone said. "I know he's got to be so distraught for what he did."
Daughtry will be in adult felony court Friday.
Action News Jax Law and Safety expert Dale Carson said Daughtry's mental health evaluation will play a key role in the case.
Action News Jax Law and Safety expert Dale Carson said Daughtry's mental health evaluation will play a key role in the case.
"Initially they'll determine whether he's competent," Carson said. "If he's determined to be competent then he'll proceed to trial. You will then have psychiatrists determine whether or not he was insane at the time that he committed the offense, in other words didn't know the difference between right and wrong."
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