Teenager attempted to ‘ease grandma’s suffering,’ according to police

A Maine teenager is behind bars after he allegedly attacked his grandmother with a hatchet, reportedly telling her that the “Grim Reaper” made him do it.

According to a press release from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office, 19-year-old Ethan William Herbert was arrested on Sunday after receiving calls about an assault at a home in Glenburn, Maine. Police said that when they arrived at the scene, a 59-year-old woman — later identified as Herbert’s grandmother — was suffering from “serious injuries” and was taken to the hospital by ambulance.

Herbert allegedly fled the scene but was soon apprehended by police. According to a police report obtained by a local news outlet, The Maine Wire, Herbert’s grandmother reportedly told police that he was ordered to attack her by “the Grim Reaper.”

The victim said Herbert had been banned from the home prior to their altercation on Sunday, according to the police report. She told officers that Herbert was fighting with his grandfather and when she tried to stop it, she was allegedly attacked with a hatchet and a knife.

According to the police report, the grandmother told deputies that Herbert said to her, “I’m sorry, Grammie, but I have to” before he allegedly lurched toward her with the hatchet, swinging it violently at her head and arms. The older woman reportedly suffered an injury to her head that required part of her skull to be removed.

When police spoke to Herbert, he allegedly told them that he had been hearing “demons” who told him “just do it, kill her, put her out of her misery.” He reportedly told police that the “Grim Reaper” ordered him to attack his grandmother.

Herbert was arrested and charged with attempted murder, domestic violence elevated aggravated assault, and domestic violence aggravated assault. He remains in custody at the Penobscot County Jail.