A Washington, D.C., man has been charged with murder after allegedly killing his grandmother and then sending a disturbing photograph of her lifeless body to family members.
Authorities say Christopher Holness Jr. stabbed 83-year-old Sandra Mundle 13 times before texting a picture of her bloodied body to prove he had carried out the horrific act.
Holness, 27, was arrested on January 17 at his grandmother’s apartment after police responded to a call.
Upon arriving, officers discovered Mundle, a retired schoolteacher, lying dead in her bed with multiple stab wounds, including severe injuries to her chest, eyelid, arm, and abdomen. Her body also showed signs of bruising.
Holness allegedly used his grandmother’s phone to contact relatives, claiming he had murdered her as a “sacrifice for God.”
He not only informed his family of the murder but also sent the chilling photo of Mundle’s body to confirm his actions.
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According to a probable cause affidavit, Holness later told officers, “She had to die,” when questioned about his motives.
One family member, who initially couldn’t believe Holness’ claim, was shocked when they received the gruesome image.
The relative then spoke to Holness, who explained that his grandmother’s death was a “sacrifice.”
Despite the brutality, Holness allegedly told the family, “I loved her,” and continued to refer to the crime as an act of devotion to God.
Holness has a history of mental health issues, and family members indicated that he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
However, it remains unclear if he was taking his prescribed medication at the time of the murder.
Holness is set to appear in Washington D.C. Superior Court on January 30 for a preliminary hearing. It is unclear whether he will enter a plea in response to the murder charge.