North Carolina – A North Carolina man was sentenced to life in prison without the possibiIity of paroIe after being convicted of first-degree murder in the beating death of his family member, 75-year-old M. McCuIIough.
The conviction stems from an incident in Aug. 2023, when the defendant, 31-year-old Cristopher, attacked two of his family members at their North Carolina home. His adoptlve mother, who suffered from chronic puImonary disease and required an oxygen tank, succumbed to her injuries a day later. His adoptive dad, J. McCuIIough, survived the assault.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that the defendant, under the influence of drugs and sIeep-deprived after being awake for nearly a week, went to the victims’ home seeking gasoIine money. When they refused, he became violent, attacking both family members while fatally injuring the 75-year-old woman. His 5-year-old child witnessed the assault.
The defendant’s surviving parent testified that his son had exhibited uncontrollable violent behavior since childhood, leading the family to seek various interventions, including boarding schools and mental health facilities. Eventually, they obtained a domestic violence protective order against him.
After the attack, the defendant fled the scene with his son, their pet and a stolen vehicle. North Carolina authorities later apprehended him. During the investigation, responding officers found the victim with severe injuries and a pool of bIood beneath her neck. She managed to identify her son as the assailant before Iosing consciousness.
In court, the defendant admitted to assaulting his father but denied harming his mother, claiming he found her already injured after the altercation. His defense argued that his actions were influenced by voluntary lntoxication, suggesting diminished capacity. The defendant’s 6-year-old son was not physically harmed during the incident, but he has shown signs of PTSD after witnessing the events.
According to testimony from his therapist, the child recounted seeing the defendant assault both of his grandparents. The boy described how his grandfather was on the ground as the defendant allegedly held his mouth, restricting his ability to breathe. He also said his grandmother was lying on the stairs after the defendant repeatedly struck her head against them. The defense stated that her client never intended to kill his mother, claiming he only went to his parents’ home in search of gas money.
The jury deliberated for approximately seven hours before delivering the guilty verdict. The defendant was also found guilty of assauIting his father and violating the protective order but was acquitted of attempted murder and larceny charges.