Murder Under Investigation

The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department is still not saying what may have motivated a son to murder his own mother. Investigators say the killing happened last week near highway 495, and as Twin States News reports the son is now charged with first-degree murder.

Here’s what the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department says happened: On Friday, they received a call saying a family member found the body of 42-year-old Tanya Ocampo.

When authorities arrived at the home near Center Hill, they learned that the woman’s 23 year old son, Detrick Kelton Ocampo, left when another family member showed up:

“After arriving on the scene and gathering additional information it was determined that an individual that was living in the home had left”, stated Deputy Ward Calhoun. “Based upon the evidence at the scene and information that was derived from the investigation enough probable cause was obtained to seek an arrest warrant, charging Kelton Ocampo with a charge of murder”

Investigators believe that the suspect’s mother died Thursday after being hit with a blunt object or surface. An autopsy will be done to learn the exact cause of death.

People in the community are shocked by the murder and are sending prayers to the family.

“There are support groups out there for everything. I pray for them. I know it's not going to be easy for them.”

Detrick Ocampo was charged with first-degree murder. His bond is set at $250,000. Because it is an ongoing investigation, authorities are not saying anything about a motive for the murder. The sheriff’s department says the case will be presented to a grand jury.