A father with a long rap sheet and history of drug abuse has been busted for allegedly killing his 16-year-old son with a power tool in what Florida police say is an “unexplained” incident.
Stephen Thomas Rodda, 37, was arrested Monday after allegedly killing his teenage son, Stephen Lee Rodda, inside a mobile home in Lake Wales, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said during a news conference.
The teenager – who hopes to one day become an electrician – lives with his grandfather, 67-year-old Thomas Rodda, to help him around the house while his grandmother is in recovery.
The grandfather returned to his home Monday morning to find his son, Stephen, outside, where he allegedly told him, “I wouldn’t go in there if I were you. I killed someone. You should probably call the police.”
Datuk told investigators it was normal for the suspect, who had been using methamphetamine since high school, to have psychotic episodes and make “strange” comments.
Stephen Thomas Rodda was arrested by Florida police on Monday. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd
When Thomas Rodda entered the home, he found his grandson dead in the dining room, Judd said.
Judd said preliminary investigators revealed the suspect used a “heavy duty saw” known as an angle grinder to kill his son.
“It breaks our hearts. There are not enough words to describe how horrific this event was,” Judd said Monday.
Stephen Lee Rodda will start working at Burger King next week in hopes of earning enough money to buy his own car. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd
“Killing this worthless individual killing his child is inexplicable,” he added.
The father was quickly caught by the fleeing police on Highway 60. He was taken into custody.
The suspect has an extensive criminal history, including outstanding warrants in South Carolina, Judd said.
Stephen Lee Rodda (center) and his siblings, Matthew, Logan and Elizabeth. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd
“This guy has been a problem for the community for a long time,” Judd said. “And now, he turns a troubled person into a bad guy when he kills his son and creates a horrible set of circumstances for a loving family.”
The younger Stephen Rodda is a junior at Frostproof High School, where he is taking classes to become an electrician.
He will also start working at Burger King next week in hopes of saving enough money to buy a car, his family told police.
Police said the motive for the killing is still under investigation. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd
“He’s just a stand-up, brilliant young man,” Judd said. “Our prayers are with the family, and I want you to know that the world lost a great young man today.”
The motive for the killing is still under investigation, the sheriff said.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
