A Pennsylvania man who admitted to fatally beating his mother in 2020 was sentenced on Tuesday to at least 15 years in prison.
Erik Watkins, 42, was on drugs when he killed his mother and left her body in a bathtub. Detectives said the victim, Patricia Watkins, 60, was discovered in the bathtub with her face “caved in,” according to The Citizens’ Voice.
Erik Watkins said he smoked marijuana and woke up hearing a “higher power” telling him to attack his mother. He claimed he could not recount the entire incident, but recalled striking her in the face with his hands and feet.
According to WBRE, Erik Watkins told cops that Patricia Watkins had taken him to a methadone clinic before he smoked marijuana and fell asleep.
The victim’s other son witnessed Erik Watkins on top of their mother on the couch while beating her. Erik Watkins immediately confessed to state police who responded to the Sugar Notch home.
“I know who you are and I know what you want. She is dead, my mom is dead, I killed her,” he told cops, according to WBRE.
Erik Watkins pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal homicide and could spend up to 40 years in prison. He received credit for time served.
[Feature Photo: Luzerne County police; WBRE]
