Alabama man allegedly kills mom with samurai sword, injures brother and uncle
01/18/2022 2:58 pm PST
MOBILE, Ala. (TCD) -- A 23-year-old male was arrested over the weekend for allegedly killing his mother with a sword and injuring two other family members.
The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a statement that deputies responded to a residence on Mausap Road in Eightmile on Jan. 16 after receiving a report about a deceased woman and two injured males. Investigators believe the suspect, Damien Winslow Washam, used a samurai sword to kill and injure his family.
The Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as 61-year-old Helen Nettles Washam, 52-year-old George Washington Nettles, and Desmon Washam. According to the statement, George Washington Nettles has cerebral palsy and was bedridden. He received lacerations to the face and Desmon Washam was injured on his wrist.
Damien Winslow Washam is Nettles Washam’s son and allegedly fled the scene in a green 2000 Honda Accord before deputies arrived. Deputies reportedly tried conducting a traffic stop, but Washam refused and drove towards Highway 158. Saraland Police deployed spike strips and Damien Washam’s car stopped on Highway 158 near mile marker 6.
According to the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, Damien tried to run away once his car stopped, but he was tased and taken to a local hospital. He will be booked into the Mobile Country Metro Jail upon his release from the hospital on charges of murder, attempted murder, second-degree assault, and attempt to elude.
The Sheriff’s Office said Desmon Washam is Damien’s brother and was treated at the scene. His uncle, George Washington Nettles, remains in critical condition. The sword believed to have been used in the attack was found in the front seat of the car.
Mobile County Sheriff’s Office Captain Paul Burch told WPMI-TV, "This is pretty brutal with a ceremonial type of sword, not very sharp and that’s what he attacked and killed his mom with, caused very serious injuries to his uncle and some minor injuries to his brother."
Burch also said he spoke with Damien Washam’s father "several times," and the father "doesn’t know what could have triggered this behavior."
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