Authorities: Teen slashes grandmother’s throat, calls 911

LEITCHFIELD, Ky. – Authorities in Kentucky say a teen slashed his grandmother’s throat and repeatedly stabbed her before calling 911 to report her injuries.

News outlets report 18-year-old Douglas R. Barton is charged with attempted murder and tampering with physical evidence. The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office says Barton called 911 early Friday morning and said his bleeding grandmother appeared to have been stabbed.

Authorities responded to the teen’s Leitchfield home and found the woman lying face down in the driveway. Leitchfield police say the teen repeatedly stabbed the woman in the back before slashing her throat. The woman suffered a damaged trachea and collapsed lung, among other injures, and was taken to a hospital in critical condition.

Authorities haven’t released a motive. It’s unclear if Barton has a lawyer to contact for comment.