St. Pete Mother Charged with Murder in Suffocation of 4-Year-Old Son

Why this matters: This case highlights the critical importance of mental health support and resources within communities. The sudden and tragic nature of this event underscores the potential for unseen struggles to escalate into devastating outcomes. It also emphasizes the profound impact such incidents have on families and first responders.

On January 27, 2026, St. Petersburg police responded to a call where they found a 4-year-old boy, Finley Cullom, deceased. His mother, Diana Cullom, was also present with stab wounds. Initially, police suspected stabbing as the cause of death, but later determined the boy had been suffocated. A note found at the scene is believed to have been written by the mother.

The police are providing support services to the 16-year-old sister and the first responders who attended the scene. The father of the children was notified and is cooperating with the investigation.

This incident is a stark reminder of the unseen struggles some families face and the importance of accessible mental health resources. The community is left grappling with grief and searching for answers in the wake of this tragedy.

How to Prepare

While this event is unpredictable, families can:

Who This Affects Most

This tragedy profoundly impacts:

Diana Cullom has been charged with first-degree murder.

The boy's 16-year-old sister found him dead when she returned home from school.

Police found a knife and a note believed to be written by the mother.

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