At a Glance
- Diana Cullom was arrested on January 28 for the murder of her 4-year-old son.
- The boy was found stabbed in his St. Petersburg home on January 27.
- Police recovered a knife and a note believed to belong to the mother.
Why it matters: The case highlights a tragic loss of a child and the swift response of local law-enforcement.
A 4-year-old boy was found dead in his home in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Tuesday, January 27, after his 16-year-old sister reported the discovery. The boy, Finley Cullom, was stabbed multiple times, and his mother, Diana Cullom, was also injured during the incident.
The Incident
At approximately 3:30 p.m. local time, officers responded to a property off Tanglewood Drive Northeast. The 16-year-old sister had called the police after walking into the house and seeing blood everywhere. Police found Finley’s body and noted multiple stab wounds.
When officers arrived, they also found Diana Cullom with stab wounds “throughout her body.” She was transported to a hospital for treatment before being interviewed by investigators.
Investigation Findings
St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway said the evidence “looks like the mom stabbed the baby.” A knife and a note found at the scene are believed to belong to Diana Cullom.
The investigation has not yet disclosed the mother’s mental history, and officials have not released details about the events leading up to the incident.
The father of Finley was not at home at the time of the incident, according to Fox 13.
Arrest and Charges
On Wednesday, January 28, Diana Cullom was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. She was already hospitalized for her injuries.
The arrest followed an interview with the mother, during which she was questioned about the events that transpired on the evening of January 27.
Police Statements
Chief Holloway remarked that the case was “heart-heavy” for the neighborhood. He added:
> “A lot of these officers, they have kids, and then you have the 16-year-old who’s coming home from school and finding her brother and her mother. And then you have a father who’s not there.”
He also noted that there were no prior calls for service at the home where Finley was found.
Community Reaction
The local community has expressed shock and sadness. Chief Holloway said that the neighborhood’s feelings are heavy, emphasizing the impact on families who live nearby.
Legal and Procedural Context
A first-degree murder charge carries severe penalties in Florida, including the possibility of life imprisonment or the death penalty. The case is now under the jurisdiction of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, which will handle further investigative and prosecutorial steps.
Key Takeaways
- Diana Cullom was arrested on January 28 for the murder of her 4-year-old son.
- Finley was found stabbed on January 27 in St. Petersburg.
- A knife and note linked to the mother were recovered at the scene.
- The father was absent during the incident.
- The case is charged as first-degree murder, a serious felony.
The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the events that led to this tragic loss.
