VALDOSTA, Ga. — A 15-year-old boy was arrested and charged with murder in connection to his grandmother's death on Saturday, according to Valdosta Police.
The department posted about the incident on its Facebook.
“This is one of the most horrific crimes that I have seen," said Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan.
It happened around 5:49 p.m. when officers responded to the home in the 100 block of Jackson Drive in Valdosta after someone called 911 to report an unresponsive person at the house.
When they arrived, they found 52-year-old Nita Ann Luke dead and covered in blood with "obvious signs of trauma to her body."
After finding her body, the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office searched the area to find evidence leading to Luke's death.
That's when they found evidence that led them to believe that her grandson was possibly involved in her death. Authorities also said they saw the teen walking back and forth in front of Luke's home.
Police then took him into custody. He is being charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a knife during the commission of a felony.
Authorities did not release the identity of the teen. It's unclear exactly how Luke was killed.
"Our prayers go out to the family and friends of Ms. Luke as they move forward in trying to understand why this unnecessary act of violence occurred," said Chief Manahan.
Authorities added that the teen is in custody at the Regional Youth Detention Center. Police added that more charges could be pending.
Anyone with any further information about the incident is encouraged to contact the department at 229-293-3145 or the crime tip line at 229-293-3091. Tips can also be made online here.