Ebro, Fla. (WDNews) – A Washington County man is behind bars without bond after deputies say he murdered his own mother inside a home on Still Pond Road.
Just after 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Washington County deputies responded to a 911 call requesting assistance. When they arrived at the home, they heard crying from inside. Deputies say 37-year-old Blake Elliot Hornsby opened the door, appearing distraught and emotional. According to investigators, he simply said, “She’s inside.”
Inside the home, deputies discovered a woman unconscious and unresponsive. Authorities noted she had severe bruising, dark marks around her neck, and no signs of breathing. Her injuries were consistent with being choked, and investigators say Hornsby had busted knuckles and scratch marks.
Despite efforts to render aid, the woman could not be revived. She was later identified as 64-year-old Mary Jane Ward of Quitman, Ga.—Hornsby’s mother.
Hornsby was taken into custody at the scene and is currently being held without bond at the Washington County Jail.
The investigation is ongoing.
