Son Allegedly Murders Mother with Gardening Tool in Inheritance Dispute Police Report

Missouri Man Charged with Mother’s Murder over Inheritance Dispute

Alleged Family Tragedy in Ozark

A Missouri resident, Derrick Alling, finds himself in custody on charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action following the alleged beating death of his mother, Carolyn Alling. The tragic incident reportedly stems from an inheritance-related conflict.

Discovery of the Crime Scene

Authorities were drawn to the Ozark home around 9:30 p.m. on September 25, 2023, after a welfare check was requested by Carolyn Alling’s husband—Derrick’s stepfather—due to her lack of response to phone calls. Upon arrival, Christian County deputies engaged Derrick Alling in conversation, which quickly led to suspicions about his involvement in the crime.

Investigation and Arrest

Deputies questioned Derrick Alling about the whereabouts of his mother. Initially, he claimed she was in a guest house on their property but failed to provide a satisfactory answer regarding her condition. Sheriff Brad Cole mentioned that the deputies acted on a “gut feeling” that something was amiss, which later proved to be accurate.

Details of the Suspected Murder

The subsequent investigation revealed Carolyn Alling’s body in the guest house. Evidence suggests she was brutally attacked with a gardening or scraping tool. Derrick reportedly indicated uncertainty about whether his mother was alive, leading to his detention and further examination by law enforcement.

Legal Proceedings and Background

Derrick Alling, who has pleaded not guilty, is being held without bond. His court appearance is scheduled for October 14, 2023. In the weeks leading up to the alleged murder, Derrick’s behavior was reportedly aggressive, with repeated demands for his inheritance and verbal threats captured in recordings by Carolyn.

Implications for the Family

Carolyn’s husband shared with authorities that their marriage was kept secret for fear of Derrick’s potential violent reaction. Carolyn, a licensed dental hygienist, had returned to Missouri after living in California with her late husband and children. The Christian County Sheriff’s Office has yet to comment further on the ongoing case.

The community of Ozark, Missouri, remains shaken by this family tragedy as investigations continue into the untimely death of Carolyn Alling.