A Vail man is accused of killing his mother after deputies found her dead inside their home Friday, according to investigators. The victim, 65-year-old Cindy Kreider, was discovered face down on the kitchen floor with trauma to her face. Deputies allege her 38-year-old son told them he had been experiencing a delusion and said he did not believe his mother was real.
What deputies say
The Pima County Sheriff's Department says detectives were called to a residence in the 13600 block of Hampden Green Way on July 24, where they found signs of trauma on Kreider, according to KOLD. Investigators allege the suspect, identified by deputies as Andre Tyrone Tillmon, admitted to punching Kreider multiple times and leaving her in the kitchen. The Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner has been asked to examine the death, KOLD reports.
Court documents and arrest
Court papers reviewed by KVOA state that Tillmon told deputies he punched his mother several times and said he feared for his life. The documents also describe deputies obtaining surveillance video that appears to show a vehicle registered to Kreider leaving the neighborhood around the time investigators say the attack took place. Tillmon was taken into custody by Pima County Sheriff's Department detectives on July 25 and booked on suspicion of first-degree murder, according to the filings.
Charges, bail and next hearing
"I didn't believe my mother was real," Tillmon allegedly told deputies, court documents state, according to KVOA. Booking records show Tillmon is being held on $750,000 bond while prosecutors review the case, per KOLD. Court documents indicate his next scheduled hearing is August 5 as detectives continue to gather evidence.
Help, context and next steps
Investigators have not publicly detailed a possible motive, and the Pima County Sheriff's Department is asking anyone with information about the case to contact law enforcement. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental-health crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 support; see SAMHSA's guide to 988 for more information.
