Delray Beach, Florida — A 50-year-old man is facing a first-degree murder charge after authorities say he fatally stabbed his 77-year-old mother inside a gated community and then allegedly told police that he had killed her.
Alexander Harrington was charged in connection with the death of Susan Baratto, who was found covered in blood with multiple stab wounds at the Monterey Lake community in Delray Beach earlier this month.
According to an affidavit cited by local authorities, Harrington allegedly contacted Boca Raton’s non-emergency dispatch center on the afternoon of Sept. 11 and identified himself before saying that he had killed his mother.
Police Say Harrington Admitted the Killing
The call was transferred to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, where Harrington allegedly repeated the claim. Authorities said he told dispatchers that he had murdered his mother with a knife.
Deputies rushed to the home and found Baratto suffering from multiple stab wounds. A knife was reportedly located near her body, according to the affidavit.
Harrington was also injured, suffering a cut to his left arm. When paramedics treated him, he allegedly made another startling statement.
According to the affidavit, Harrington told medical personnel:
“I killed my mom,”
The alleged admission was among several statements investigators say Harrington made following his mother’s death.
Defendant Gave Confusing Statements to Investigators
Harrington was later taken to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office headquarters, where detectives questioned him about what happened.
During his statement, he reportedly said that he did not recognize his own voice from the initial calls to police. He also again acknowledged killing his mother but said he could not remember what type of knife he had used.
Investigators also questioned Harrington about a video showing a shirtless man pacing on a sidewalk near the Delray Beach residence.
According to the affidavit, Harrington alternated between identifying himself as the man in the video and saying that he did not recognize himself.
Authorities have not publicly established a clear motive for the killing.
Facebook Video Raised Questions Before the Killing
A Facebook video Harrington allegedly posted one day before Baratto was killed has also drawn attention in the investigation. In the video, Harrington spoke about forgiveness and described forgiving people who had hurt him.
He said:
“I wrote down everyone that ever hurt me, and I forgave them all,” Harrington said. “You have to open your heart to forgive. You can’t just say ‘I’m a forgiving person,’ because that does nothing, you have to bring in the emotions up.”
The comments came just one day before authorities say Baratto was fatally stabbed.
The significance of the video to the investigation remains unclear, and authorities have not publicly said that the statements were connected to the killing.
Harrington Described Himself as an “Intuitive Healer”
Harrington had previously described himself publicly as an “intuitive healer.”
During his interaction with investigators, he also reportedly said he had been sober since 2007 and told detectives that he had schizoaffective disorder with bipolar features.
Those statements are part of the account documented by investigators, but they do not by themselves establish the circumstances or motive behind the alleged killing.
The case remains focused on the circumstances surrounding Baratto’s death and the evidence gathered at the Delray Beach home.
Man Ordered Held Without Bond
Harrington was ordered held without bond following his arrest and is facing a first-degree premeditated murder charge. His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 11.
Authorities have not publicly announced a motive for the killing, leaving unanswered questions about what happened inside the gated community before Baratto was found dead.
The case is now moving through the Florida court system, where prosecutors will have to establish the allegations against Harrington as the proceedings continue.
What do you make of the disturbing statements allegedly made after the killing? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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