Florida Man Faces Murder Charges for Killing his Son with a Power Tool
Sep 14, 2023, 09:00 PM
A Florida man with a notorious criminal history and a troubling past involving drug abuse now faces murder charges. According to Polk County Sheriff Grad Judd, the suspect allegedly used a power tool to kill his 16-year-old son.
The harrowing incident came to light when deputies responded to a distress call from a 67-year-old grandfather named Stephen Rodda in Lake Wales, Florida. Mr. Rodda reported that his 37-year-old son, Stephen Thomas Rodda, had taken the life of his own grandson, 16-year-old Stephen Lee Rodda.
Mr. Rodda informed authorities that he had left home to visit his wife, who was undergoing physical rehabilitation, and returned around 11 a.m. on a fateful Monday. Upon his return, he encountered his son, Stephen Thomas Rodda, outside the house, who warned him not to enter.
“I wouldn't go in there if I were you," the grandfather quoted his son as saying. "I killed someone. You might want to call the police."
According to investigators, it was not uncommon for the suspect, who had been using methamphetamine since high school, to experience psychotic episodes and make bizarre comments.
Upon entering the home, the grandfather discovered the lifeless body of his 16-year-old grandson in the kitchen dining area. Investigators believe the teenager had been fatally injured with an angle grinder, a power tool typically used for cutting, grinding, polishing, and sharpening various metals.
Sheriff Judd expressed his shock and dismay, stating, "There aren't adequate words to describe how horrific this event is."
Stephen Thomas Rodda had recently returned to the Lake Wales area, having spent time in Texas, Ohio, South Carolina, and other locations. He had an active warrant from South Carolina and was known to be a methamphetamine user since high school.
Sheriff Judd described the victim as a "standup, stellar young man" who had been living with his grandfather to assist him while his grandmother underwent rehabilitation. The teenager had been set to begin work at a fast-food restaurant the following week to save money for a car.
"To have this worthless individual murder his son is inconceivable," Sheriff Judd declared while holding up a mugshot of Stephen Thomas Rodda for the cameras. "This guy has been nothing but a problem to society for a very long time. And now, he's turned a troubled person into an evil one by murdering his son, creating a devastating situation for a loving family."
Stephen Thomas Rodda fled the scene of the murder before deputies arrived but was swiftly apprehended about a mile away and taken into custody. As of now, no clear motive for the murder has been established.
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The harrowing incident came to light when deputies responded to a distress call from a 67-year-old grandfather named Stephen Rodda in Lake Wales, Florida. Mr. Rodda reported that his 37-year-old son, Stephen Thomas Rodda, had taken the life of his own grandson, 16-year-old Stephen Lee Rodda.
Mr. Rodda informed authorities that he had left home to visit his wife, who was undergoing physical rehabilitation, and returned around 11 a.m. on a fateful Monday. Upon his return, he encountered his son, Stephen Thomas Rodda, outside the house, who warned him not to enter.
“I wouldn't go in there if I were you," the grandfather quoted his son as saying. "I killed someone. You might want to call the police."
According to investigators, it was not uncommon for the suspect, who had been using methamphetamine since high school, to experience psychotic episodes and make bizarre comments.
Upon entering the home, the grandfather discovered the lifeless body of his 16-year-old grandson in the kitchen dining area. Investigators believe the teenager had been fatally injured with an angle grinder, a power tool typically used for cutting, grinding, polishing, and sharpening various metals.
Sheriff Judd expressed his shock and dismay, stating, "There aren't adequate words to describe how horrific this event is."
Stephen Thomas Rodda had recently returned to the Lake Wales area, having spent time in Texas, Ohio, South Carolina, and other locations. He had an active warrant from South Carolina and was known to be a methamphetamine user since high school.
Sheriff Judd described the victim as a "standup, stellar young man" who had been living with his grandfather to assist him while his grandmother underwent rehabilitation. The teenager had been set to begin work at a fast-food restaurant the following week to save money for a car.
"To have this worthless individual murder his son is inconceivable," Sheriff Judd declared while holding up a mugshot of Stephen Thomas Rodda for the cameras. "This guy has been nothing but a problem to society for a very long time. And now, he's turned a troubled person into an evil one by murdering his son, creating a devastating situation for a loving family."
Stephen Thomas Rodda fled the scene of the murder before deputies arrived but was swiftly apprehended about a mile away and taken into custody. As of now, no clear motive for the murder has been established.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com