In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the local community, a Florida mother has been taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder following the death of her young son. Diana Cullom, aged 43, is accused of killing her four-year-old child, Finley, in what authorities describe as a premeditated act.
Tragic Discovery by Teenage Sister
The horrific incident came to light on Tuesday afternoon when the family's 16-year-old daughter returned from school to their upscale St Petersburg residence. According to official statements from the St Petersburg Police Department, the teenager discovered a trail of blood throughout the property valued at approximately $1.3 million.
Upon making her way upstairs, the distressed sister allegedly found Cullom cradling her younger brother's lifeless body in bed. The scene was initially so gruesome that investigators believed the young boy might have been stabbed, but subsequent medical examination revealed a different cause of death.
Medical Examination Reveals Suffocation
A thorough post-mortem examination conducted by the medical examiner determined that Finley had died from suffocation rather than stab wounds. Police Chief Anthony Holloway confirmed to local media that an arrest affidavit alleges Cullom murdered her son using a plastic bag, indicating what authorities describe as "premeditated design."
Chief Holloway further revealed that the teenage sister discovered a note within the family home, though he declined to provide specific details about its contents. He did, however, reassure the public that "we don't believe there is any danger to anyone in the community" based on current evidence.
Mother Hospitalised with Self-Inflicted Injuries
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Cullom suffering from multiple self-inflicted stab wounds. Emergency services transported her to a nearby medical facility for treatment, where medical professionals determined her injuries were not life-threatening. She was released from hospital shortly after receiving care.
The arrest affidavit notes several significant details about Cullom's condition at the time of the incident. Authorities confirmed she was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, had not indicated any mental health issues prior to the tragedy, and that no weapons were discovered at the scene apart from those involved in her own injuries.
Professional Background and Family Life
According to available biographical information, Cullom operated her own consulting and brokerage firm after obtaining her real estate license. Her online profile described her as someone who enjoyed spending time with friends and family, including her seven siblings, alongside various interests including construction, fishing, architectural design, gardening, business ventures, charity work, travel, and outdoor activities.
The family consisted of Cullom, her husband Damian who worked as a dentist in St Petersburg, and their four children together. Damian Cullom declined to comment when approached by media representatives following the incident.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
Cullom was formally booked into the Pinellas County Jail on a first-degree murder charge in the early hours of Wednesday morning, according to official jail records. She has not yet entered a plea regarding the allegations against her.
The defendant appeared in court on Tuesday for an advisory hearing, where it was determined she would not be eligible for release on bail. A spokesperson for the St Petersburg Police Department confirmed that the investigation remains active and ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and build their case.
The family's substantial property, which had been listed on real estate platform Zillow for $1.3 million just days before the tragedy, has become the focal point of a police investigation that continues to develop as more details emerge about this heartbreaking case.
