A 30-year-old man in Washington state has been charged with criminal homicide after allegedly beating and curb stomping his mother to death in her condominium. Antony Ton Le admitted to the attack following an argument about school and finances, and he reportedly covered her with blankets while listening to her for 30 minutes afterward. The incident occurred in Auburn, prompting a swift response from authorities.
On Tuesday afternoon, deputies from the King County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call at a condominium in the 28700 block of 34th Avenue South in Auburn, Washington. The caller, the condo owner and roommate of the victim, reported finding Thuy Nu Thu Ton wrapped in blankets on the ground and possibly assaulted by her son, Antony Ton Le. He described Le as schizophrenic and bipolar, noting that Le had stopped taking his medication months earlier, which led to increased hostility and proneness to violence.
Upon arrival around 2 p.m., medical personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but Ton was pronounced dead at 2:09 p.m. A tactical team secured the area and arrested Le in his bedroom, transporting him to SeaTac City Hall. The owner recounted leaving for work that morning with Ton on the couch using her phone and Le presumably in his room. Upon returning, he discovered the unusual pile of blankets in the living room, revealing Ton lying on her back with open eyes, arms folded, and severe facial injuries.
During interrogation, Le confessed to arguing with his mother over school and finances, admitting he ultimately killed her amid recent feelings of rage and anger. According to the probable cause affidavit, Le grabbed Ton in a choke hold, threw her to the ground, and began curb stomping her neck. He stated he likely killed her on the third stomp and continued with four or five more. Afterward, Le tried to 'help' by placing pillows and blankets on her, hearing her gurgle for about 30 minutes before she died, at which point he hugged her. He chose not to call 911, assuming the owner would return soon and alert authorities.
Le, 30, faces one count of criminal homicide and is held in King County Jail on $2 million bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for Friday.