A horrifying discovery in San Tan Valley has led to a murder investigation with an 18-year-old accused of killing his own mother. The body of 38-year-old Mary Collier was found in a farm field on Wednesday, after a jogger happened upon the gruesome scene, according to FOX 10 Phoenix. Pinal County Sheriff's Office reports that Collier's son, who has not been publicly named, reported her as kidnapped before deputies had located her body with apparent stab wounds.
"I was hoping that it was kinda like a Halloween scarecrow or something like that, that somebody just threw it out here or like a prop,” jogger James Richey told Arizona's Family. The reality of the situation was far grimmer as Richey stated, "As I got closer and closer and closer it was starting to look like a real person, real real real." PCSO deputies quickly connected the discovery with a subsequent 911 kidnapping call and came to the conclusion that there was no kidnapping.
The suspect was found at his home, suffering from what appeared to be self-inflicted wounds, according to authorities. He was taken to the hospital and is expected to face a first-degree murder charge upon release. The nature of the conflict that led to this violent act remains under investigation, but a reported verbal altercation the night prior hints at domestic strife boiling over into tragedy.
In an interview with FOX 10 Phoenix, a neighbor who opted to remain anonymous reported seeing the suspect shortly after the alleged murder occurred, stating, "I saw the gentleman in question walking from the direction of the field toward the house." Pinal County Lt. Ross Teeple, speaking to Arizona's Family, confirmed that no firearms were used and that the injuries Collier sustained were consistent with being cut or stabbed.
The sudden and brutal end to Mary Collier's life has left the community shaken, with many struggling to comprehend the actions that have led to such a loss. The husband of the victim, who remains deeply shocked by the events, expressed his disbelief in the actions of her son to Arizona's Family.
