[DiamondSmiles]

Sean Rossman
The Tallahassee Democrat

August 7, 2014

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Mason Rhinehart and his brother were playing video games in their suburban Tallahassee home Tuesday morning when their grandmother, Martha White, interrupted to say she had a surprise for them.

White, 63, who had been babysitting the boys in Killearn Lakes Plantation, Florida, then took 6 year old Mason into the bathroom and locked the door behind her, a probable cause affidavit said. Mason's brother, age 8, heard him start to cry from behind the door and say, "I don't want to die, please don't kill me."

The boy said he tried to get in the bathroom, but could not. He then called his father and hid, court documents said.

We are not clear on the motive at this point in time. That's one of the many things that the investigators are continuing to dig into.
Lt. James McQuaig, spokesman Leon County Sheriff's Office

Within five minutes, first responders were on the scene and found Mason lying on the bathroom floor with multiple stab wounds to the chest, said Lt. James McQuaig, Leon County Sheriff's Office spokesman. Leon County Emergency Medical Services rushed him to the hospital, but Mason did not survive.

White was not there when deputies arrived but the boys' parents said she was the one home with them while they were at work.

Mason's brother said he saw White leave the home with a bottle of wine but not before telling him she "had a surprise for him too," court documents said. McQuaig said Mason's brother was not injured in the incident.

Deputies identified White as a suspect when they found her covered in blood at the dead end of a block, about a half mile away from the boys' parents' home. White's clothing was covered with blood, court documents said. She also had a bottle of wine and a Xanax.

White was taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation, even though she didn't appear to be injured, McQuaig said. She remained under evaluation until Wednesday morning, when she was transferred to the Leon County Jail and booked on a charge of first-degree murder.

White showed little emotion as she was led in handcuffs into the female holding cell about 24 hours after deputies were initially called to the scene.

Martha White, 63, was booked into the Leon County (Florida.) Jail on a first degree murder charge Wednesday, August 6, 2014, in the stabbing death of her grandson.

It is still too early in the investigation to identify a motive for the stabbing, McQuaig said. However, White told deputies she was "fed up."

"We are not clear on the motive at this point in time," McQuaig said. "That's one of the many things that the investigators are continuing to dig into."

An autopsy began Wednesday on Mason and search warrants for White, her car and her home were served Tuesday and Wednesday. McQuaig did not reveal the weapon used in the killing, or say who called 911.

Mason, who would have turned 7 on Thursday, was heading into second grade at Killearn Lakes Elementary School. Principal Brenda Wagner sent an e-mail to parents and the school community Wednesday.

"This letter comes to you with great concern and emotion," Wagner said. "Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends."

Efforts to reach the family Wednesday were unsuccessful.

Martha White 080714 2
(Photo 1: Leon County Jail)

(Photo 2: Sean Rossman, The Tallahassee Democrat)

Video may be viewed here. Appalling!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...?csp=fbfanpage

[Mr Poo]

Why.. Just why?

[jesse]

Fucking crazy!

[DiamondSmiles]

I hope she gets hers in prison.

[CrunchyCripple]

Maybe leaving your kids with someone that takes medication for mental issues is not such a good idea.

I know there's a lot of people that are well balanced on medication - but the ones who drink(or use other substances), don't fall into that category.

Or maybe she was just taking the meds to get high - which completely puts her out of the "people who should be watching kids" pool.

It's doubtful her drinking/drug use was a complete surprise/unknown.

[DiamondSmiles]

I had a blast with my great nephew yesterday! I loving hearing kids laugh! He is 4 1/2.

I'll take a hearty laugh over tears any day!

[Pyramid_Head]

This is horrifying to hear about.

[adhartz]

Really? Fed up is a good reason to murder your grandchildren? I have no recollection of another news story grandparent turning murderous. WTH is happening to people?

[DiamondSmiles]

Originally Posted by adhartz ↗

Really? Fed up is a good reason to murder your grandchildren? I have no recollection of another news story grandparent turning murderous. WTH is happening to people?

People don't give a shit anymore!

There were killers and murderers in the past, but, seems there are so many more today.

And to kill children is nuts!

I know some people are desperate for money and commit crimes, but, these children had nothing to offer her, if that was her issue.

[Ghost306]

Originally Posted by CrunchyCripple ↗

Maybe leaving your kids with someone that takes medication for mental issues is not such a good idea.

I know there's a lot of people that are well balanced on medication - but the ones who drink(or use other substances), don't fall into that category.

Or maybe she was just taking the meds to get high - which completely puts her out of the "people who should be watching kids" pool.

It's doubtful her drinking/drug use was a complete surprise/unknown.

A lot of mental problems aren't violent in the least, well not to other people anyway.