A shocking case of family violence in Glenburn, Maine, has left a woman hospitalized and her teenage grandson facing serious charges after he allegedly attacked her with a hatchet under the belief that the “Grim Reaper” ordered him to do it.
Authorities say 19-year-old Ethan William Herbert was arrested on Sunday, August 18, after deputies from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an assault. When officers arrived at the home, they found Herbert’s 59-year-old grandmother suffering from severe injuries. She was rushed to a local hospital, where doctors determined her wounds were so grave that part of her skull had to be surgically removed.
According to a police report obtained by The Maine Wire, the victim told deputies that Herbert had attacked her after an argument escalated inside the home. She stated that Herbert, who had previously been banned from the residence, got into a fight with his grandfather. When she intervened, Herbert allegedly turned on her with a hatchet and a knife.
The grandmother recalled that Herbert told her, “I’m sorry, Grammie, but I have to,” before lunging toward her. He allegedly swung the hatchet at her head and arms, causing life-threatening injuries.
After the attack, Herbert fled but was quickly located and taken into custody. When interviewed by police, he reportedly confessed that he had been hearing voices, claiming that “demons” told him to kill his grandmother. He further alleged that the “Grim Reaper” commanded him to put her out of her misery.
The teenager now faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, domestic violence elevated aggravated assault, and domestic violence aggravated assault. He is currently being held at the Penobscot County Jail.
Authorities have not disclosed whether Herbert has a documented history of mental illness, but the bizarre statements he allegedly made to police have raised concerns about his psychological state. Mental health experts note that hallucinations and delusional thinking can sometimes drive individuals to violence, particularly when untreated.
Local residents expressed shock at the brutal nature of the case. Glenburn, a small town just outside Bangor, rarely sees violent crime, making the incident all the more unsettling for the community.
Despite her devastating injuries, the grandmother is expected to survive thanks to the swift response of emergency services and hospital staff. Authorities have not released her name to the public, citing privacy and victim protection protocols.
The case underscores the dangers of untreated mental health issues and the devastating toll domestic violence can take on families. For now, the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office says their priority is ensuring the victim continues to receive medical care and that Herbert faces justice for his alleged actions.
As of now, no bail has been set for Herbert, and court proceedings are pending. His arraignment is expected in the coming days.
What began as a family argument has ended with a grandmother fighting for her life and a teenager behind bars, claiming he was carrying out the orders of death itself.
