North Carolina Man Convicted of Mother's First-Degree Murder, Sentenced to Life

A North Carolina jury found Christopher McCullough guilty of first-degree murder in the 2023 beating death of his 75-year-old mother, Mary McCullough, and sentenced him to life in prison without parole. Prosecutors described a history of violence, with testimony from McCullough's father recounting years of uncontrollable behavior and failed interventions, which ultimately led to a domestic violence injunction that McCullough ignored on the day of the assault. During the incident, McCullough, reportedly high on drugs and deprived of sleep, attacked his father and left his injured mother without calling for help, actions witnessed by his young son. McCullough was acquitted of attempted murder of his father and larceny charges. The victim impact statements underscored the deep trauma inflicted on the family, particularly on McCullough's child who witnessed the attack. The defense plans to appeal the decision.