MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A domestic dispute escalated to violence in a Whitehaven home, resulting in a 27-year-old man being charged with attempted second-degree murder after allegedly striking his mother with a baseball bat. The incident occurred on September 5 at their residence on Bonita Avenue.
DeAngelo Billingsley is also facing charges of domestic assault following the altercation, which reportedly stemmed from an argument regarding food preparation. Court documents indicate that during the dispute, Billingsley entered his mother’s bedroom armed with an aluminum bat, leading to a physical confrontation. Police say the mother sustained a significant head injury and required emergency care at a local hospital, where she was listed in critical condition.
According to police reports, the mother was still able to communicate with first responders upon their arrival, describing her son as the source of her injuries. Investigators identified a rapid escalation from a verbal disagreement to physical violence, which culminated in Billingsley allegedly gaining control of the bat and striking her in the forehead.
Witness accounts suggest that the argument was triggered by the mother’s failure to prepare food for her son. This detail was noted in the initial reports but investigators have not elaborated on any broader motives or psychological factors that may have contributed to the violence. The absence of additional details about the home environment prior to the incident raises questions about the relationship dynamics involved.
After initially struggling over the bat, Billingsley reportedly acknowledged to law enforcement that he struck his mother. This admission aligns with her description of the events leading to the attack. However, more information about the incident, including whether the bat was recovered as evidence, has not been disclosed to the public.
Currently held at the Shelby County Jail, Billingsley’s bond was set at $52,000, which includes a prior $2,000 bond related to an earlier case involving his mother. In that previous matter, Billingsley faced allegations of vandalism after allegedly damaging her car when asked to leave her home. While the previous case creates a context for the latest charges, it should not be regarded as indicative of the current allegations.
The attempted second-degree murder charge is considered a Class B felony under Tennessee law, indicating its seriousness. The distinction between this charge and the domestic assault charge underscores the gravity of the accusations and the potential consequences Billingsley may face if ultimately convicted. It remains to be determined in court whether there was intent to kill or if Billingsley’s actions can be justified or pleaded down.
As the criminal proceedings develop, it is unclear whether there will be a change in the bond conditions or if additional legal actions will be taken against Billingsley. The next scheduled court dates and any subsequent hearings remain uncertain, leaving the case’s trajectory dependent on forthcoming legal maneuvers.
Authorities have not provided updates on the mother’s recovery or the overall outcomes of the charges against her son. Billingsley is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the focus now shifts to the legal process as both parties navigate the implications of this incident. Further information regarding the case is anticipated as it unfolds in court.