Son Stabbed Father to Death in Front Yard as Grandmother Watched, Prosecutors Say

A quiet Alabama neighbourhood has been left reeling after prosecutors alleged a son repeatedly stabbed his father to death in the front yard of the family home while the victim's mother watched, a chilling detail revealed in court that has shocked residents and drawn widespread attention to the case.

Police say the fatal stabbing unfolded on Wednesday afternoon at a residence on Victor Road in Mobile. Officers were dispatched shortly after 2:00 p.m. following a 911 call and found the 67-year-old victim, Mark Prince, lying in the front yard. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Mobile Police Department.

What Police Say Happened

Investigators allege the victim was stabbed multiple times by his 19-year-old son, Samuel Prince. While a motive has not been disclosed, authorities have said they believe the killing was premeditated. Police confirmed the suspect remained at the scene following the attack and was taken into custody without incident.

During the response, investigators were seen searching a red truck parked outside the property, according to Fox10TV. Police have not said whether any weapons or evidence were recovered from the vehicle, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Prosecutors Reveal Disturbing Court Details

At a bond hearing on Friday, prosecutors told the court that the stabbing occurred in front of the suspect's grandmother. The Mobile County District Attorney's Office requested a $1 million bond (around £732,000), citing the severity of the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the killing.

As reported by WKRG, the judge set bond at $750,000 (roughly £550,000), requiring a 25% cash deposit. Prosecutors said that if the suspect is released, he would be subject to electronic monitoring. Court records show the accused is scheduled to return to court on 28 January.

Neighbours Recall Chaos And Confusion

Residents living near the Victor Road home described a sudden and unsettling scene as police arrived. One neighbour said her husband initially did not understand what he was seeing.

'My husband was looking out the window, and he saw something on the ground,' she said. 'He thought it was clothes at first, but by the time he realised it was a person, the police had driven up and were all gathered around. Then more police came. It was a circus out there.'

Another neighbour remembered the victim in warm terms, saying he was well known in the area. 'He was a dear person to me and my family,' the neighbour said. 'We love him and we're definitely going to miss him.'

A Family Dynamic Neighbours Say Changed

A third neighbour said the father and son had once been very close. 'They were like two peas in a pod when he was younger,' the neighbour recalled, adding that the son had become increasingly withdrawn in recent years and was rarely seen outside the home.

Investigators said that after the stabbing, the suspect contacted his mother and asked her to come home from work. Neighbours told police that the mother then placed the 911 call.

Investigation Continues

Police have not released further details about what led up to the fatal confrontation or whether there had been previous incidents at the address. Authorities said the case remains under active investigation and stressed that all allegations will be examined in court as proceedings move forward.