A Florida grandmother is behind bars after authorities say a heated argument inside a shared home ended in a deadly stabbing — and a getaway in the victim’s own vehicle.
Shannon Giblin, 48, was arrested March 8 in Sarasota County and charged with murdering her 76-year-old roommate, Paul De Wayne Bradley. Investigators say Giblin later confessed to the killing, according to a release from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives allege Giblin admitted she stabbed Bradley after the two got into an argument. In the same statement, authorities say she told investigators she realized Bradley was “beyond help” — then allegedly covered him with a tarp before leaving the scene in his pickup truck.
That truck is also what ultimately led deputies to her.
According to the sheriff’s office, investigators were able to track the stolen vehicle to Sarasota County and alerted local law enforcement, who took Giblin into custody. She was additionally charged with grand theft auto, authorities said.
Giblin is currently being held at the Sarasota County Jail while awaiting extradition.
In the aftermath of the arrest, Giblin’s family released a statement offering condolences to Bradley’s loved ones and emphasizing they were not trying to excuse what happened. The family also referenced mental health struggles, calling attention to what they described as a broader mental health crisis affecting many Americans.
If you or someone you know is struggling or needs mental health support, you can text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected with a certified crisis counselor.