The quiet town of Lake Wales, Florida, was recently shaken by a horrific act of violence when a father allegedly murdered his teenage son using an angle grinder. This disturbing incident has left the community reeling and searching for answers.
A Son’s Life Cut Short: The Victim, Stephen Rodda
Stephen Rodda, a promising 16-year-old, was looking forward to a bright future. Described as a “great kid” by his grieving parents, Stephen had just finished his junior year at Frostproof High School and was eagerly anticipating his senior year. He was set to begin a new job at Burger King, hoping to earn money to buy his first car. Driven and ambitious, Stephen dreamed of becoming an electrician and was taking steps to pursue this career path.
A Troubled Past: The Accused, Stephen Thomas Rodda
The accused, 37-year-old Stephen Thomas Rodda, is the victim’s father. With a history of run-ins with the law and struggles with methamphetamine addiction, his past painted a picture of a troubled individual. According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, the suspect had a history of “psychotic episodes” stemming from his drug use.
A Family Torn Apart: The Grandfather’s Gruesome Discovery
At the time of the incident, Stephen was living with his grandfather, Thomas Rodda, while his grandmother received treatment at a rehabilitation facility. Thomas Rodda had graciously welcomed his son back into his home after the younger Stephen returned to the area following stints in various states, including Washington D.C., South Carolina, Ohio, and Texas. It was during a visit to his wife that the grandfather stumbled upon the ghastly scene. Upon returning home, he was met outside by his son, who uttered a chilling statement: “I wouldn’t go in there if I was you. I killed someone. You may need to call the police.” Thomas Rodda later told authorities that his son’s bizarre statements were not uncommon given his history of drug-induced psychosis. However, nothing could have prepared him for the gruesome discovery he made upon entering the home. Inside the mobile home, he found his grandson’s lifeless body in the dining room/kitchen area.
A Community in Shock: Law Enforcement Responds
Upon arriving at the crime scene, law enforcement officials discovered the young victim’s body, bearing the horrific injuries inflicted by the angle grinder. The suspect had fled the scene prior to their arrival, prompting a search effort. Stephen Thomas Rodda was apprehended a short distance away on Highway 60, attempting to flee the area. During his arrest, he chillingly told deputies, “You probably need to read me my rights.” He was taken into custody without further incident.
Seeking Justice: Charges and the Future
Stephen Thomas Rodda is currently facing charges of first-degree murder in the death of his son. The investigation is ongoing, as authorities are still working to determine a motive for this senseless crime. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has expressed his commitment to ensuring that justice is served and that the suspect will be held accountable for his actions.
Unanswered Questions: The Search for Answers Continues
As the investigation continues, the community grapples with shock and grief. The horrific nature of the crime has left many questioning how such an atrocity could occur. The young victim’s promising life was tragically cut short, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. The family is left to pick up the pieces, forever scarred by this unimaginable tragedy.
A History of Violence: A Similar Tragedy Strikes Close to Home
This tragic incident follows closely on the heels of another disturbing case that shook the Lake Wales community just eight days prior. In a chillingly similar crime, Brandy Hutchins, also of Lake Wales, fatally shot her two children, a 10-year-old boy and a 19-year-old, before turning the gun on herself. The circumstances surrounding Hutchins’ case remain under investigation, but the close proximity of these two tragedies involving parents taking the lives of their own children has left the community shaken and searching for answers.
