Son Sentenced to 15 Years for Fatally Beating Mother in Pennsylvania

September 4, 2024

PENNSYLVANIA: A devastating case of domestic violence has resulted in a 15-year prison sentence for a Pennsylvania man who fatally beat his mother in a drug-fueled attack. Erik Watkins, 42, was sentenced on Tuesday for the 2020 murder of his mother, Patricia Watkins, 60, in their Sugar Notch home.

According to court documents and police reports, Watkins was under the influence of marijuana and other substances when he attacked his mother. He claimed to have heard a "higher power" telling him to harm her. The brutal attack left Patricia Watkins with severe facial injuries, and her body was discovered in the bathtub with her face "caved in."

The incident occurred after Patricia Watkins took her son to a methadone clinic, suggesting that she may have been trying to help him with his addiction. However, the exact motive behind the attack remains unclear.

Watkins' brother witnessed the attack and immediately called the police, who arrived to find Erik Watkins on top of his mother's body. Watkins confessed to the crime, telling officers, "I know who you are and I know what you want. She is dead, my mom is dead, I killed her."

Watkins pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal homicide and could spend up to 40 years in prison. He received credit for time served.