A woman who had begun a new phase of her life in Florida in hopes of helping her son receive mental health care was allegedly killed by him just weeks after moving.
Polk County authorities identified the victim as Margaret Dufour, 56, a registered nurse who had recently obtained employment at a local hospital. His son, Gibson Nash, 21, faces a first-degree murder charge in the crime.
According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, the homicide occurred on July 21 inside the family's home in Eagle Lake.
The investigation began after several hit-and-run crashes
The case came to light after officers responded to three hit-and-run accidents that occurred that same morning.
According to the sheriff's office, Nash was driving a 2022 BMW registered to his mother. Authorities say he crashed into several vehicles, refused to stop and finally had one last accident when he crossed into the opposite lane and hit another car.
When the emergency services treated the young man, they observed that he had blood on his hands and shoes, although the injuries suffered in the crash did not explain this situation.
Investigators indicated that Nash had also overdosed on Tylenol and had liver failure, for which he was hospitalized.
The victim was found dead in his office
Upon verifying that the vehicle belonged to Margaret Dufour, the agents went to the home to verify its condition.
There they found the woman lifeless in the home office.
During a press conference, Sheriff Judd called the incident one of the “most violent” murders he has seen in a long time.
According to authorities, Nash allegedly strangled his mother and then brutally beat her.
Later, DNA testing determined that the blood found on the suspect corresponded to the victim. In addition, investigators noted that Nash had multiple bruises that, according to police, would be consistent with the violence of the attack.
The mother had paid her son's bail days before
The investigation also revealed that Dufour had traveled to Knoxville, Tennessee, on July 14 to post bail for his son, who had previously been arrested.
Authorities reported that the woman had consistently tried to support Nash, despite a history of violence.
According to the sheriff, in April the young man allegedly threatened her with a knife because she would not allow him to play Xbox. In another incident that same month, Dufour called 911 from the bathroom of a vape shop after reporting that her son had assaulted her and threatened her again with a knife.
Although Nash was arrested for those events, the charges were later dropped in Tennessee, according to the sheriff's office.
The family was looking for a new beginning in Florida
Authorities said Dufour had recently moved to Eagle Lake because he hoped the move would make it easier for his son to receive better mental health care services.
"She had a new house. She had a new job. She was a wonderful woman and a great mother. She never stopped fighting for her son, even after he threatened to kill her and assaulted her," Sheriff Judd stated during the press conference.
The official also recalled that, shortly before the crime, agents from his office had gone to the home to help resolve a conflict with a moving company and even collaborated by moving boxes into the residence.
The accused remains in custody
Nash was taken off the ventilator several days after his hospitalization, once he showed improvement in his medical condition.
Authorities later formalized the charge of first-degree murder against him.
He currently remains in custody at the hospital and will be transferred to the Polk County Jail upon his release.
The investigation continues as authorities gather more evidence in the case.
