NANTICOKE, Pa. — State police have charged a son in the homicide of his mother last year in Luzerne County.
Elliot Steed, 36, is being charged with criminal homicide and theft by unlawful taking in the death of his mother, Ann Murphy, 66, at her home on Gardner Street in Plymouth on December 20.
According to court paperwork, Steed's brother found Murphy dead inside her home and her car missing.
The coroner said Murphy died from stab wounds and head trauma.
After allegedly killing his mother, troopers believe Steed drove his mother's vehicle more than 100 miles to a hospital in Flemington, New Jersey.
Security at the Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington, New Jersey, said a vehicle matching the victim's missing vehicle description was found in the hospital parking lot.
Raritan Police responded and contacted Wilkes-Barre Police, who advised them of the terrorist threats warrant. Steed was taken into custody in New Jersey. According to the search warrant, Steed was acting erratically and told hospital employees that his family was trying to kill him.
Inside the car, there was a bloody comforter that matched the one from Murphy's house.
Steed was charged with terrorist threats for allegedly pointing a gun and threatening his girlfriend on December 19. An arrest warrant was issued for that incident. Steed was brought to the Luzerne County Prison on January 4 with bail denied on those charges.
Luzerne County First Assistant District Attorney Tony Ross they are still trying to figure out why Steed killed his mother.
"He's given some statements candidly. We're looking at those statements. They don't make much sense, so we're continuing the investigation," Ross said.
Steed was denied bail on the homicide charge on Thursday and was sent back to the Luzerne County Prison. He is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on March 27.