Palm Bay, Florida – A tragic incident unfolded in Palm Bay, Florida, as a 16-year-old teen was charged with first-degree premeditated murder after allegedly killing her mother and mother’s boyfriend. The teen’s identity is being held due to her age, and she remains in juvenile custody following the double homicide.
The gruesome crime scene was discovered at a residence on Benchor Road, where the bodies of the victims, Kelley McCollom and her boyfriend Matthew Szejnrok, were found with multiple gunshot wounds. Police investigations revealed that the motive behind the killings revolved around the teen’s disapproval of her mother dating a 22-year-old man.
According to authorities, the teen first shot her mother before turning the gun on her mother’s boyfriend, stabbing him repeatedly, and then shooting him again. The teen reportedly staged a fake 911 call, claiming a break-in at the residence, before officers arrived to the devastating scene.
Further investigations revealed a history of domestic violence incidents involving McCollom and her partners, including an altercation with the teen’s biological father years ago and a recent incident with Szejnrok that did not result in charges. The tragic event shocked the community and raised concerns about the underlying factors contributing to such a horrific crime.
McCollom’s son, Jacob Linton, took to social media to mourn his mother’s death, describing her as a “great person.” The 16-year-old suspect confessed to stealing the murder weapon from her mother’s bedroom and orchestrating the deadly attack upon the couple’s return home.
As the investigation continues, the state attorney’s office is set to review the case to determine whether adult charges will be pursued against the teen. The community is reeling from the heinous act, with authorities urging for patience as they seek to uncover all the facts surrounding the incident.
The tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the complexity of domestic violence cases and the devastating consequences that can arise from unchecked disputes. The impact of the incident reverberates through the neighborhood, prompting soul-searching and calls for greater awareness and intervention in cases of familial conflict.