FL - Former College Basketball Player, Eric Cobb, 28, Accused of Murdering his Mother, Erika Winford, 51, Jacksonville, 9 February 2025

[tlcya]

Winford’s body was discovered on Monday by friends who were unable to reach her. Other friends told police that she had said her son was “possessed” and needed medication the day before the murder. She said she was afraid of him, the friends said.
[snip]
Following her son’s 2023 arrest for resisting a officer with violence, Winford wrote letters to the court on his behalf, noting his struggles with mental health issues and asking for help.
Former College Hoops Player Charged With Killing Mother

Detectives talked to two witnesses: One said they heard a woman screaming, “he’s going to kill me,” around 8 p.m. Sunday and another, who heard several gunshots the same night. However, neither called 911, per Rudlaff.
[snip]
He now sits in the Duval County Jail without bond.
'He's going to kill me!': Former college basketball player arrested for murdering mom, cops say

Friends said Winford told others that Cobb was schizophrenic.

The two lived together in that home in Durkeeville.
Mom said she feared basketball ‘standout’ son days before he killed her, Jacksonville police say

 

[imstilla.grandma]

During the investigation, a neighbor told officers that they heard a woman screaming, “He’s going to kill me!” around 8 p.m. the night before. Another person claimed they heard what sounded like gunshots around the same time. Police on the scene who examined the body found the victim had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the head, stomach, and left leg.

https://www.mensjournal.com/news/eric-cobb-uconn-arrested-mothers-murder

 

[imstilla.grandma]

JSO said Eric Cobb murdered his 51-year-old mother, Erika Winford, at their home in Durkeeville Sunday night.

Eric Cobb’s father told First Coast News they did everything they could to get him help before he was charged with his mother’s murder Tuesday, but because he’s an adult, there was only so much they could do.
Rodriguez said it then comes down to setting boundaries.

“Are you going to allow your child in your home?" Rodriguez said. "Are you going to give your child money? Are you going to choose to be alone with your child? Are you going to get a restraining order? I mean, those are all very difficult steps for a parent, but if you see behavior escalating and they are not getting the help or taking the medication and you feel threatened in any way, unfortunately, these are two terrible examples of families that I'm sure were doing everything that they could, but they needed to set, we need to set healthy boundaries and keep themselves safe.”

Jacksonville mental health expert talks resources after 2 sons accused of killing their mothers

A Jacksonville clinical social worker said families should reach out to physicians, mental health facilities, and domestic violence shelters and set boundaries.

www.firstcoastnews.com

 

[imstilla.grandma]

The sheriff's office said in a Facebook post, "Cobb, a 6-foot-9 former college basketball standout, played for UConn and the University of South Carolina." Cobb played at South Carolina for the 2015-16 season.

He was dismissed from the team in April 2016 after being charged with assault for firing at an occupied car in a case involving a BB pellet gun. Former basketball player charged after mother found dead in backyard, officials say

 

[Chimera]

JSO said Eric Cobb murdered his 51-year-old mother, Erika Winford, at their home in Durkeeville Sunday night.

Eric Cobb’s father told First Coast News they did everything they could to get him help before he was charged with his mother’s murder Tuesday, but because he’s an adult, there was only so much they could do.
Rodriguez said it then comes down to setting boundaries.

“Are you going to allow your child in your home?" Rodriguez said. "Are you going to give your child money ? Are you going to choose to be alone with your child ? Are you going to get a restraining order ? I mean, those are all very difficult steps for a parent, but if you see behavior escalating and they are not getting the help or taking the medication and you feel threatened in any way, unfortunately, these are two terrible examples of families that I'm sure were doing everything that they could, but they needed to set, we need to set healthy boundaries and keep themselves safe.”

Jacksonville mental health expert talks resources after 2 sons accused of killing their mothers

A Jacksonville clinical social worker said families should reach out to physicians, mental health facilities, and domestic violence shelters and set boundaries.

www.firstcoastnews.com

Bbm.
Absolutely agreed re. setting boundaries if it comes to that.
That is still love, more like tough love.
Not blaming the poor mother who advocated Eric's release.
How terrible for her to love him so much and yet to have to fear him.

I wish the witnesses had called 911.
Imo.

Rest in gentle peace, Erika !