Pa. Man Sentenced Up to 40 Years for BRUTALLY MURDERING HIS MOTHER, Apologizes in Court for ‘Dreadful’ Crime
A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to prison for his mother’s violent murder in 2020, according to several sources.
Erik Michael Watkins pled guilty to third-degree murder on Tuesday, Sept. 3, in connection with the death of his mother, Patricia Watkins, 60, on December 13, 2020, at her Sugar Notch, Pa., home. Watkins, 43, was sentenced to up to 40 years in jail, plus time served, according to the site.
Authorities believe Watkins murdered his mother shortly after returning to the family home with his mother and stepbrother. Watkins allegedly told police that he smoked marijuana before going to bed and began “hearing voices” when a “higher power” prompted him to murder his mother.
Soon later, Watkins’ stepbrother discovered him bashing his mother in the face after hearing a huge boom inside. When police came, Watkins allegedly exclaimed, “She’s dead, my mother’s dead, I killed her.”
According to the Citizens Voice, responding officers discovered Patricia’s body in a bathtub. According to WBRE and the Times Leader, investigators said in a criminal complaint that her face had “caved in” as a result of her son’s attack.
According to the publication, Watkins made an emotional apology in court on Tuesday.
“I’d like to start by apologizing to my family,” Watkins said in court, according to The Citizens Voice. “I’m extremely sorry. No words can describe how dreadful I feel. I adored my mother. I adore my family and am sorry. I’m very sorry.”
Watkins continued, “I was dealing with substance misuse and mental health issues. I took what I thought was Xanax, and it put me into a whirlwind, causing me to hallucinate, have delusions, and do things I can’t express. I’ve lost everything because of drugs. Words can’t express how horrible I feel.
According to the Times Leader, Patricia filed a temporary protection-from-abuse petition in 2009, stating that Watkins beat her by throwing her into a radiator inside the family’s house. Patricia reportedly told officials that Watkins threatened to burn down the family’s home after nailing the windows shut and confining her inside, adding he planned to watch outside and laugh, according to the site.
Patricia’s autopsy after her murder in 2020 indicated that she had several traumatic injuries, including fractured ribs and broken bones in her face and neck, according to the Times Leader.
According to The Citizens Voice, Watkins avoided receiving a mandatory life sentence by pleading guilty.
If you or someone you know requires mental health assistance, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to reach a licensed crisis counselor.
