Memphis Mom Arrested for Allegedly Attacking Son with Screwdriver After School Pickup

September 27, 2024

MEMPHIS: A mother accused of attacking her son with a screwdriver after picking him up from school. Miriam Castillo, 44, faces felony charges for the disturbing altercation that left her son with minor injuries.

On Tuesday afternoon, witnesses reported seeing Castillo's son running and yelling, "She is trying to kill me." The victim, whose age was not disclosed, told police that his mother drove recklessly after picking him up from school and attempted to push him out of the moving vehicle.

Castillo's son stated that she was driving erratically and tried to drop him off on the side of the road while en route to pick up his sister. Fearing for his safety, the boy called his father, who advised him to take Castillo's keys once the vehicle stopped.

When the boy tried to take the keys, Castillo allegedly became violent. She bit him on his right hand and left elbow and then stabbed him in the left leg with a screwdriver, breaking the skin.

The boy managed to escape and sought help from a witness, who called the police. Officers arrived at the scene and arrested Castillo, who smelled strongly of alcohol and admitted to drinking but couldn't specify how many drinks she had.

Castillo's son was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital. Both he and his sister were released into their father's custody.

Castillo is charged with felony aggravated child abuse and misdemeanor domestic assault, according to Shelby County court records in Tennessee. She is being held in jail on $40,000 bond, with a court date scheduled for Friday.

The Memphis Police Department conducted an investigation, which included reviewing witness statements and gathering evidence. Officers observed Castillo's erratic behavior and noted the strong odor of alcohol emanating from her person.