September 2, 2012

A shocking and brutal crime in Bellevue after three people are found stabbed to death.
   
A grandmother, mother, and a 14 year old boy were killed inside their home, and police believe their neighbor is responsible.

Crime scene trucks and police detectives have been on Beech Bend Drive in Bellevue on Sunday.

"The murder weapon appears to be a knife that is several inches in length," says Don Aaron with Metro Police Department.

Inside the home police found the bodies of three people, 48 year old Michelle Pinkowski, her 14-year old son Jonathan Culpepper, and her mother, 71 year old Marylea Jordan.

Police believe they were stabbed to death just before 3 a.m.
     
When officers arrived, they found neighbor Craig Garber inside the house. His first words, police say, were "just kill me."

"He was covered in blood, we believe from self-inflicted stab wounds, one to his chest, and other parts of his body," says Don Aaron with Metro Police.

Garber is now at Vanderbilt Medical Center and will face criminal homicide charges.
    
Police say a nine year old girl was also home and witnessed the attack, but she was able to run outside and get help for her family.

"I would like just prayers to got out to her.  My heart goes out to her," says neighbor Jacki Allison.

Neighbors are still trying to make sense of what happened.
    
Witnesses say the suspect had been arguing with the victims over what he believed were stolen items.
    
Others say Craig Garber had developed a close relationship with mother Michelle Pinkowski.
    
Still, the motive is unclear.

"From what we understand from Garber's family he has emotional issues, and is on medication," says Don Aaron with Metro Police.

Police believe Garber killed Pinkowski in the basement before moving upstairs and stabbing the boy and his grandmother.
     
Investigators have had a long day with three dead and many unanswered questions.

"The scene is very bloody, it's not something you see in Nashville.  We've had scenes like this over the years, but these scenes are rare," says Don Aaron.

Craig Garber is listed in critical but stable condition.
       
Meanwhile the nine year old girl who escaped was not hurt, and she may be placed in the custody of her relatives.

For news updates follow John Dunn on twitter @WZTVJohnDunnTeen, Mother, and Grandmother Stabbed to Death in Their Bellevue Home - John Dunn