RALEIGH, N.C. — A 31-year-old man was convicted of first-degree murder in the fatal beating of his mother, Mary McCullough, in a case that shocked the local community. Following his conviction, Christopher McCullough was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The jury reached its verdict after deliberating for roughly a day, culminating on Friday, following closing arguments that took place on Thursday morning. This decision comes after a harrowing event on August 6, 2023, when police responded to reports of violence at the McCullough family home. Both Mary and her husband, John, were hospitalized due to the assault.
Defense attorneys argued that Christopher McCullough was under the influence of drugs and had been awake for an extended period when the incident occurred. They maintained that while he did admit to striking his father during the altercation, he did not intend to kill his mother, who was 75 years old.
During the trial, Assistant District Attorney Melanie Shekita described the severe injuries sustained by Mary McCullough, emphasizing the life-threatening nature of the blows to her head that resulted in critical brain damage. She articulated the importance of justice for the victim and her husband, stating that McCullough would no longer pose a danger to others.
Originally facing lesser charges, Christopher’s offenses escalated to first-degree murder after further investigation. He was also charged with felony second-degree kidnapping and assault, along with violating a domestic violence protective order.
The jury acquitted McCullough on separate counts, including attempted murder of his father and the larceny of a family dog.
John McCullough, the father of the accused and husband to the victim, offered a poignant statement to the court during the impact statements. He spoke of his wife’s enduring love for their son and her tireless efforts to help him overcome his challenges, which ultimately led to tragic consequences. “She loves him so much. She spent her entire life trying to get him straight,” he lamented.
This case has left a deep scar in the Raleigh community, raising awareness about the volatile nature of domestic situations and the tragic outcomes that can arise. As Christopher McCullough begins his life sentence, the impact of this incident will be felt for years to come.