JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville mother who had pleaded for her son’s release from jail just months ago was found dead Monday morning. That same son is now accused of her murder.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 28-year-old Eric Cobb Tuesday, charging him with the murder of his 51-year-old mother, Erika Winford.

It happened on Sunday night in the Durkeeville area of Jacksonville, according to police.

Eric Cobb was a former college basketball player for the University of South Carolina and the University of Connecticut. He had been released on bond last year while facing charges in another case.

First Coast News obtained a letter from May 2024, in which Winford pleaded with a judge for her son’s release. In the letter, Winford described her son as “a victim of circumstance” rather than a criminal, stating that his life had been derailed by forces beyond his control. 

READ MORE: Records, letters show former UConn player’s mother advocated for him in court before her murder

The situation took a turn on Sunday when police say Eric Cobb shot his mother multiple times and left her body wrapped in a blanket in their backyard.

Eric Cobb’s arrest report revealed chilling details. Just days before the murder, Winford had confided in friends that she was afraid of her son, saying he was “possessed” and that they couldn’t afford his medication.

Eric Cobb’s father, Terrance Cobb, spoke with First Coast News providing insight into the family’s struggles.

“We did everything we could to get my son help, however with him being an adult, there was nothing we could do,” Terrance Cobb said. “He has to agree to treatment. We also went through 13 months of court battles with the charge he received in October of 2023.”

Terrance Cobb said his son had been staying with him after he was granted bond in June, but said he left around Christmas to stay with his mother following a fight. He called his son’s arrest “surprising” and “unbelievable.”

“Erika paid the ultimate sacrifice for the love of her child, by giving her life,” he added. “I am so so sorry she lost her life. I am doing the best I can with the unfortunate conditions.”

First Coast News Crime and Safety Expert Mark Baughman commented on the potential role of mental health issues in such cases.

“In his particular case, obviously, he was an athlete, right? Sometimes that’s the thing that keeps people on track, along with maybe the medication that they’re supposed to be taking,” Baughman said.

He emphasized the importance of recognizing the warning signs and seeking outside help when dealing with a health crisis.

“You always have to be vigilant on the fact that are they taking their medication? Are they doing what they should be doing? When you see the signs that it looks like your safeties are in jeopardy, or anybody in the house or even outside of that, they have a tendency to people like this, some type of tendency to focus on one person that they’re mad at the most,” Baughman said. “In this case, may have not been that he was mad at her. He loved her, but she was there. It could have been anybody.”

Cobb’s attorney has not yet responded to requests for comment.

If you or someone you know needs help in a domestic violence situation, Hubbard House has a 24-hour hotline and text line. The hotline number is 904-354-3114 and the text line number is 904-210-3698.

If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis and needs help right away: Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can reach the suicide prevention lifeline 24/7 by calling or texting 988.

Children and teens can call the Wolfson Children’s Hospital free mental health hotline at any time at 904-202-7900, or text the word “Life” to 741-741 and a counselor will text you back.