Teen Arrested For Beating Grandmother With Hammer

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — New details are emerging about a stunning act of violence. A 14-year-old boy is accused of trying to kill his grandmother with a hammer.

Mike Hellgren has the investigation.

Hassanhii Garrett, 14, sits in jail. He's charged as an adult for trying to kill his 66-year-old grandmother Shirley Garrett inside their home in Waverly—using a hammer.

Charging documents paint a gruesome scene: "Blood spatter was observed on the fan, as well as the floor and walls...and furniture in the room. Blood was also observed in the hallway between the bedroom and bathroom where the victim was found."

Their next-door neighbor says the sounds woke her up.

"It was just like a loud thump, like something fell," said the neighbor.

The teen told police he was upset about the way his grandmother was treating him and decided to attack her in her sleep.

He told police his grandma got up and attempted to run away and fell face first into a mirror. Garrett then threw the hammer onto the floor and began to strike the victim approximately four times with a closed fist. He then waited a few minutes and called 911.

Garrett greeted the paramedics at the front door, and he told them that his grandmother was just upstairs.

She's now fighting for her life, and he's being held on no bond.

"Due to the severity of the injuries and overall circumstances of the case, he's being charged as an adult," said Det. Kevin Brown, Baltimore City Police.

Friends and family have been dropping by the house all day and say they've been advised to keep quiet.

The 14-year-old boy had never been in trouble with the law before and got good grades; it's unclear what made him snap.

"They were always quiet.  No arguments, no fights," said the neighbor. "You never know what happens to make a person do something like that, you know."

At last check the grandmother was in critical condition.