Alabama Son Accused of Stabbing Father to Death in Front Yard as Grandmother Watched, Police Say
MOBILE, ALABAMA — A 19-year-old Alabama man is behind bars after police say he repeatedly stabbed his father to death in the front yard of their family home, with the victim’s mother witnessing the killing.
According to the Mobile Police Department, Samuel Prince, 19, has been charged with murder in the death of his father, Mark Prince, 67. Investigators say the attack occurred Wednesday afternoon at a residence on Victor Road in Mobile.
Police Find Victim Dead in Front Yard
Officers responded to the scene around 2 p.m., police said in a press release. When they arrived, Mark Prince was found lying in the front yard of the home and was pronounced dead at the scene.
While authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive, investigators said they believe the killing was premeditated.
Outside the residence, investigators were seen examining a red pickup truck as part of the ongoing investigation, according to local reports.
Neighbors Describe Shock and Confusion
Neighbors told local media they were stunned by the violence and the sudden police presence.
One neighbor remembered Mark Prince as a kind and caring man.
“He was a dear person to me and my family,” the neighbor said. “We love him; we’re definitely going to miss him. I wouldn’t have thought in a million years that this would be happening.”
Another neighbor described realizing something was wrong only after seeing police arrive.
“My husband was looking out the window, and he saw something on the ground,” the neighbor said. “He thought it was clothes at first, but by the time he realized it was a person, the police had driven up. Then more police came — it was a circus out there.”
Prosecutors Say Grandmother Witnessed Killing
According to court proceedings reported by local outlets, Samuel Prince allegedly stabbed his father multiple times in the front yard. Prosecutors said the attack occurred in front of the victim’s mother, the defendant’s grandmother.
After the stabbing, authorities said Samuel Prince called his mother at work and asked her to come home. She then contacted 911, according to investigators.
Police said the defendant remained at the scene and was taken into custody without incident.
Neighbors Recall Change in Father-Son Relationship
A third neighbor told reporters that Samuel Prince and his father were once inseparable.
“They were like two peas in a pod when he was younger,” the neighbor said.
In recent years, however, the neighbor said the son had become increasingly withdrawn.
“The last time I really laid eyes on him, he was maybe 12 years old, and now he’s 19,” the neighbor said. “He stayed in the house pretty much.”
Judge Sets $750,000 Bond
On Friday, Samuel Prince appeared before a judge, who set bond at $750,000, requiring a 25 percent cash deposit, according to court records. Prosecutors had requested a $1 million bond.
If Prince is released, prosecutors said he would be placed under electronic monitoring as a condition of bond.
Prince is scheduled to return to court on January 28.
Case Moves Forward
Investigators continue to examine evidence from the scene as the case moves through the court system. Authorities have not released additional details about what may have led up to the fatal confrontation.
As Mobile residents grapple with the loss of a well-known neighbor and the shock of a family tragedy, the case underscores the devastating consequences of violent conflict within the home. For continued updates on court proceedings, criminal investigations, and public safety news from Alabama and across the country, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.