Published: May 06, 2008 05:14 pm         

Man charged in mom’s murder

Authorities: Man believed he could benefit financially from her death.

By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



A Warrior man has been charged with beating his mother to death.

Preston McCombs, 23, is suspected in the death of 44-year-old Sherry Faught McCombs. The suspect is being held in the Jefferson County Jail without bond on capital murder charges, according to a press release.

Sheriff’s office officials said Tuesday that items stolen from the victim’s residence, located in the 1200 block of Arkadelphia Road, were found at the suspect’s home, located in a wooded area on Rouse Road in Blount County.

One of Preston McCombs’ neighbors apparently discovered some of the items and saw his mother’s name on some luggage tags.

An aluminum baseball bat, believed to be the murder weapon, was also found at the residence. McCombs reportedly had severe head trauma.

Sheriff’s office spokesman Sgt. Randy Christian said it is believed that Sherry McCombs had been on a cruise from April 19 through April 28. During that time, it is also believed that Preston McCombs had allegedly broken into her home and stayed there with several acquaintances.

The press release stated that Preston McCombs told investigators during questioning that the break-in was a cause of confrontation between mother and son.

Preston McCombs reportedly picked his mother up at the Birmingham airport on April 28 and took her home. The release said he then reportedly talked to his mother about the alleged break-in and what the release called “ongoing financial problems.” The press release stated that McCombs allegedly believed he would benefit financially from his mother’s death.

He was reportedly the last person to see his mother alive.

McCombs’ body was found on April 29 at about 11 p.m. by a relative. She had reportedly been dead for several hours.

Christian said Tuesday that the sheriff’s office believes that Preston McCombs acted alone.

Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale praised the work of investigators.

“I am very proud of our detectives for solving this case quickly,” Hale said. “The people in that community were chilled by this senseless murder and will sleep better knowing her killer is behind bars.”

It was unclear as of press time when Preston McCombs would appear in court to face the murder charges.