Mother Charged in Tragic Death of 6-Year-Old Autistic Son: Court Denies Bond

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Earlier Report: Pasco County mother charged with son’s murder attends court hearing

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. (WFLA) — A teacher from Pasco County, accused of the tragic murder of her 6-year-old son, will continue to be detained as a judge determined at a pretrial session on Monday.

Justine Mroz, aged 40, made her court appearance dressed in an orange prison uniform and handcuffs.

During the session, Mroz stood before Judge Mary Handsel for a pre-trial detention hearing. Her attorney, based in Orlando, chose to forego the hearing as the prosecution requested that she be denied bail.

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Mroz only spoke briefly, answering the judge’s questions as her attorney handled the discussion.

“Miss Mroz, your lawyer is waiving a pretrial detention hearing at this time, any objection?” Handsel asked. “No, ma’am,” Mroz replied.

According to an affidavit from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, Mroz called 911 just before 10 a.m. on Oct. 19, and told dispatchers she had killed her son and was trying to kill herself.

Investigators say she told detectives she “snapped” when her son, who had been diagnosed with autism, began hitting and biting her. Mroz admitted she grabbed and choked him until he stopped breathing.

Detectives said she later texted family members saying she was sorry.

The affidavit also revealed she had purchased razor blades two days earlier and attempted suicide before picking up her son from his father’s home that afternoon.

Mroz will remain in the Pasco County Jail without bond.

Her next court date will be an arraignment, but has not yet been scheduled.