Lataya Powell: 13-year-old expresses 'regret and self-disgust' as she's arrested for fatally stabbing her mother

Lataya Powell was charged with homicide and two counts of aggravated assault for supposedly murdering her mother on March 29
PUBLISHED APR 1, 2024
Lataya Powell stands accused of her mother's murder (WBRE/Screengrab)
Lataya Powell stands accused of her mother's murder (WBRE/Screengrab)

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA: A 13-year-old teenager from Pennsylvania was arrested for supposedly killing her mother on Friday, March 29.

Lataya Powell, who is facing charges of homicide, two counts of aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence, apparently expressed remorse about her involvement in her mother's death shortly after she was taken into custody, as per PEOPLE Magazine.

Lataya Powell's mother sustained stab wounds to the torso and head area

Authorities found out about Powell's mother's murder after they responded to reports of an unresponsive female on Friday at around 12.30 pm local time, as per a press release from the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department

Upon arrival, they secured the scene and launched an extensive investigation. Initial findings revealed that the victim, aged 44, had sustained stab wounds to the torso and head area. 

A second victim, aged 11, was also located at the scene and was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital. His injuries were deemed non-life-threatening. 

The victim was pronounced deceased by the coroner's office and her autopsy remains pending. 

(WBRE/Screengrab)
Lataya Powell supposedly disposed of the murder weapon on a neighbor's doorstep (WBRE/Screengrab)

Although officers failed to find knives or other cutting instruments in plain sight, they observed that all drawers and cabinets in the kitchen were padlocked, except for one, which appeared to have been broken.

Powell reportedly informed officers that she disposed of the weapon she used on a neighbor's doorstep. 

Lataya Powell says she's the reason her 'mom is dead' after arrest

While being taken into police custody, Powell apparently expressed feelings of "regret, guilt, and self-disgust," as per WYOU. The 13-year-old noted that she stabbed her mother during an argument.

According to the criminal complaint, Powell made several statements, including, "I killed my mom and she’ll never forgive me if she is alive," and "I’m the reason my mom is dead."

She further remarked, "I don’t know how people can do stuff like this and not feel bad about it," adding, "I don’t have my phone because my mom took it before our fight."

As per authorities, Powell is being charged as an adult. 

(WBRE/Screengrab)
Lataya Powell has been charged with homicide and two counts of aggravated assault (WBRE/Screengrab)

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