Mother Charged in Tragic Death of 6-Year-Old Son with Autism Denied Bail

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Previous coverage: Pasco County mom accused of killing son appears in court

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. (WFLA) — A Pasco County educator charged with the murder of her 6-year-old son will remain in custody, as determined by a judge during a pretrial hearing on Monday.

Justine Mroz, aged 40, attended the court session dressed in an orange jumpsuit and was restrained in handcuffs.

During the hearing, Mroz stood before Judge Mary Handsel. Her attorney, who is based in Orlando, opted to waive the hearing, while the prosecution argued for her to be detained without the possibility of bail.

“You’re going to be held zero bond, no bond. You can’t bond out,” Judge Handsel stated during the proceedings. “If at another time you decide you want the hearing, your lawyer can file, and we’ll set a date.”

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.