24-year-old man, who left his 61-year-old mother he got into an argument with “barely breathing” after he hit her “a few times” in the head with a hammer, killing her, was charged
Texas – In a deeply disturbing case in Texas, a 24-year-old man, identified as Robert B., has now been charged with murder after his 61-year-old mother, Lisa B., died nine days following a brutal hammer attack that left her barely breathing. Authorities confirmed that Robert, who was originally facing a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, saw his charges upgraded to murder on July 29, according to court records.
According to reports, the attack took place on June 11 at the family’s home. Investigators said the violence erupted during an argument between Robert and his mother. Deputies responding to a 911 call found Lisa lying in the backyard with severe head injuries and struggling to breathe. She was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where she remained unresponsive and unable to speak due to the extent of her injuries. Despite intensive care, she died nine days later.
Robert admitted to the assault in a disturbing series of online messages to a friend on a gaming platform, court documents reveal. He allegedly wrote, “I am in trouble and I need your help. I just assaulted my mother with a hammer, I got angry, I don’t know what to do, I can’t go to prison. I have to get rid of the hammer and destroy the evidence before the police get there.” In another chilling message, Robert reportedly added, “I don’t want to end up on death row. I hit her a few times on the head and the side. She’s barely breathing.”
According to reports, the friend did not see the messages until nearly two hours after they were sent. It was only after reading them that the friend contacted authorities, which left Lisa suffering without help for a prolonged period. When deputies arrived, they found the 61-year-old woman gravely injured. Authorities later confirmed that the attack appeared to have been triggered by a verbal argument between mother and son. The evidence found suggested that Robert even attempted to conceal his crime, though the intervention of his friend ensured deputies were able to respond in time.
When first questioned, Robert attempted to deny involvement, telling investigators he had left his mother napping unharmed and was surprised to find deputies at the home. But the digital messages contradicted his story, providing clear evidence of his involvement. Due to the severity of her injuries, Lisa was unable to provide her own account before her death.
With the charges now upgraded to murder, Robert faces a potential life sentence if convicted. Prosecutors noted that only an additional upgrade to capital murder could place him at risk of the death penalty, but that decision has not yet been announced. For the community, the case has left deep scars — a son accused of killing his mother in an act of rage, and a family home turned into the scene of a horrific crime. Authorities emphasized the critical role Robert’s friend played in alerting them, even if the delay may have cost precious time. As prosecutors prepare for trial, Robert is currently being held in the county jail on a $350,000 bond. His next court date has yet to be scheduled.
