Background: Pushaw Road in Glenburn, Maine (Google Maps). Inset: Ethan William Herbert (Penobscot County Sheriff”s Office).
A teenager from Maine is in custody after allegedly attacking his grandmother with a hatchet, claiming the “Grim Reaper” compelled him to do it.
The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office reported that 19-year-old Ethan William Herbert was taken into custody on Sunday following reports of an assault at a Glenburn, Maine residence. Upon arriving, police found a 59-year-old woman — later identified as Herbert’s grandmother — with “serious injuries.” She was promptly transported to the hospital.
Herbert reportedly fled but was soon captured by authorities. A police report acquired by local media, The Maine Wire, indicated that Herbert’s grandmother claimed he was instructed by “the Grim Reaper” to attack her.
The grandmother noted that Herbert was previously prohibited from entering the home before the incident. She recounted that he was in conflict with his grandfather and when she intervened, he allegedly assaulted her with a hatchet and knife.
The police report mentions that the grandmother said Herbert apologized by saying, “I’m sorry, Grammie, but I have to” before allegedly advancing on her, violently swinging the hatchet at her head and arms. She reportedly sustained a head injury necessitating partial removal of her skull.
When questioned by police, Herbert allegedly claimed to have been hearing “demons” urging him to “just do it, kill her, put her out of her misery.” He reportedly asserted that the “Grim Reaper” instructed 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.
