WILKES-BARRE, PA – A teenager stands accused of fatally stabbing her mother in Pennsylvania after her mother confiscated her phone, according to local enforcement agencies. Wilkes-Barre police officers were dispatched after receiving emergency calls about an unresponsive woman around 12:30 p.m. Friday. Upon reaching the scene, they discovered the 44-year-old victim with multiple stab wounds on her back and neck and a head injury.
The accused, 13-year-old Lataya Powell, admitted to the crime when officers first made contact with her. When she was confronted by the police, the young teen expressed remorse over her actions. “I killed my mom, and she’ll never forgive me if she is alive,” Powell informed the police.
Authorities believe that a heated argument over her confiscated phone led to Powell stabbing her mother and discarding the weapon on a neighbor’s doorstep.
During her arrest, Powell expressed feelings of “regret, guilt, and self-disgust” to reporters. Police also found an 11-year-old boy at the scene who was suffering from non-life-threatening stab wounds to his back.
Law enforcement authorities have charged Powell with homicide and two counts of aggravated assault as a result of her involvement in the stabbing. In addition, she was charged with tampering with evidence. Given the severity of the crimes, the 13-year-old is facing charges as an adult.