Iowa Suspect Believed Mother Was Targeting Him with Witchcraft, Severed Her Fingers in Gruesome Slaying: Cops
Jan. 27 2024, Published 12:04 p.m. ET
A man in Iowa has been charged with the murder of his mother inside their home, according to authorities.
Around 9 a.m. on Jan. 18, a friend of 46-year-old Jennifer Ann Dazey called police after they found her body in a bedroom inside the Dubuque residence, according to court documents obtained by KWWL.
Court documents show that two of Dazey’s fingers had been severed, and she had “significant” injuries to her neck, face and head.
At the home, officers found 28-year-old Tyler Dazey naked in his room and “not overly responsive,” police said.
After securing a search warrant, police found a tactical tomahawk in the bathroom and its sheath on the dining room table, the Telegraph Herald reported.
Police did not indicate if the tomahawk was the murder weapon, but it was sent to a crime lab for analysis.
Tyler Dazey was checked out at a hospital before he was questioned by detectives, court documents state.
He told police that the tomahawk was his and he said his mother was practicing witchcraft against him and had been doing so for years, according to court records.
When asked about his mother’s injuries, Tyler invoked his right to remain silent, detectives said.
Never miss a story — sign up for the Front Page Detectives newsletter. Be on the scene the moment news breaks.
He was arrested and charged with first degree murder in his mother’s death, and animal abuse causing death for the killing of the family dog, which was found on a sofa with head injuries, officials said.
He was booked into jail and is being held on a $2 million bond.
Become a Front Page Detective
Sign up to receive breaking
Front Page Detectives
news and exclusive investigations.