Florida Teen Accused of Killing Grandma in Fight Over Beer

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (CBS NEWS) - A Florida teen is accused of killing his grandmother during an argument over beer.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office tells local news outlets that 18-year-old Dylan Brougham was initially charged with aggravated battery, but a murder charge was added Thursday after 69-year-old Joyce Ann Courson died.

The Florida Times-Union reports the argument started Oct. 10, and was described by a witness to police as very violent.

In a Facebook post, the sheriff’s office wrote the witness said “he heard the victim and suspect arguing because the victim took the suspect’s beer while he was taking shower and she hid it.”

The witness told investigators he heard the woman screaming and found her body on the floor as Broughman left the house.

Police say the woman was taken to the hospital. Officials said, “the victim was able to tell police that during the argument the suspect began punching holes in the walls near the kitchen of the residence. As the victim was coming down the hall near the kitchen, he pushed her to the ground. After she was on the ground, the suspect held her down and punched her in the face repeatedly with a closed fist and began kicking her while she was on the ground.”

Broughman was arrested a short time after the beating ended walking nearby.

Courson died eight days later, on Oct. 18, and her death was ruled a homicide by the coroner.

Records don’t say whether Brougham has a lawyer.