Palm Bay, Florida – A 16-year-old girl from Palm Bay, Florida, is currently in juvenile detention after confessing to the killing of her mother and her mother’s partner. Julia Grace Egler could potentially face adult charges, according to the Palm Bay Police Department. The horrific incident occurred on July 6, when Egler allegedly ambushed her mother, Kelley McCollom, 42, and Matthew Szejnrok, 22, in their home.
Authorities claim that before the fatal attack, Egler chillingly said “Welcome home” to the couple. Multiple gunshots were fired, resulting in both victims sustaining gunshot wounds. But the violence did not cease there. After allegedly shooting her mother with her own .38 Special revolver, Egler pursued Szejnrok, who sought refuge in the bathroom. There, she repeatedly stabbed him with a chef’s knife before using the handgun to deliver the fatal shots.
Following the crime, a fake 911 call was placed around midnight on Sunday, with Egler supposedly claiming that a man had broken into their residence. However, upon further police questioning, Egler’s account unraveled, ultimately leading to her confession. Detectives discovered the gun hidden outside Egler’s bedroom window, along with bloody footprints matching her shoes and a blood trail leading to the bathroom. The defendant admitted to breaking into her mother’s room and stealing the gun and ammunition.
A potential motive for the crime emerged as police revealed that Egler was unhappy with her mother’s disapproval of her gender transition and her relationship with Szejnrok. According to a police affidavit, tensions had been building for some time. Egler’s mother’s lack of acceptance, coupled with the age difference, had reached a boiling point for the teenager.
Egler has been charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder. An ongoing investigation is underway.
