Woman, 43, Charged with Murder After Her Daughter Finds 4-Year-Old Brother Stabbed to Death at Florida Home

Authorities in Florida are investigating the death of a 4-year-old boy who was found dead inside his St. Petersburg home with multiple stab wounds.

Police responded around 3:30 p.m. local time Tuesday, Jan. 27, to a residence off Tanglewood Drive Northeast, where officers discovered 4-year-old Finley Cullom stabbed to death, WFLA and Fox 13 Tampa Bay reported, citing the St. Petersburg Police Department (SPPD).

A 16-year-old girl contacted police after finding her brother’s body, the outlets reported.

“She walked into the house, she sees blood everywhere, she sees her 4-year-old brother…,” St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway told WFLA.

When officers arrived, they also found the child’s mother, 43-year-old Diana Cullom, suffering from stab wounds “throughout her body,” Holloway said. She was taken to the hospital and later interviewed by investigators, according to WFLA and Fox 13.

“We don’t know if they’re self-inflicted, but right now, for what will be from evidence, it looks like the mom stabbed the baby,” Holloway said.

On Wednesday, Jan. 28, Diana Cullom was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder, WFLA reported, citing the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).

Investigators said a knife and a note recovered at the scene are believed to belong to the mother, Holloway said during a press conference, per Fox 13. Officials have not disclosed what may have led up to the incident, and Diana Cullom’s mental health history has not been released.

Police also said the child’s father was not home at the time, according to Fox 13.

“This is heavy on everyone,” Holloway said, noting the impact on responding officers and the teen who found her family members. “Right now in the neighborhood, everybody’s heart is heavy.”

Holloway added that there had been no previous calls for service to the home, according to WFLA.