Eagle Lake, Florida — A hit-and-run investigation in Central Florida led deputies to a horrifying discovery after authorities say a 54-year-old registered nurse was brutally killed inside her home by her own son, who then allegedly fled in her vehicle before crashing it several times.
Investigators say the victim had recently relocated to Florida in hopes of helping her son receive better mental health treatment, a decision Sheriff Grady Judd described as a mother’s final attempt to save her child.
Hit-and-Run Investigation Led Deputies to the Home
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies began investigating a series of hit-and-run crashes involving a 2022 BMW on the morning of July 21, 2026.
After tracing the vehicle’s registration to a home in Eagle Lake, deputies attempted to locate the owner, Margaret Dufour, checking hospitals before eventually going to her residence.
Using a spare key reportedly hidden beneath a floor mat, deputies entered the home around noon.
Inside, they found Dufour lying in a pool of blood in a room being used as a home office.
The medical examiner later determined that the 54-year-old died from blunt force trauma and strangulation, according to investigators.
Son Found After Crashing Victim’s BMW
Authorities said Gibson Nash, Dufour’s son, was later found unconscious inside the crashed BMW on Highway 27 North. First responders reportedly noticed blood on Nash’s hands that appeared unrelated to the traffic crashes.
According to Sheriff Judd, forensic testing later determined that DNA found on Nash’s clothing and shoes matched his mother’s.
Investigators also said Nash was suffering from an apparent Tylenol overdose and liver failure when he was found. He received medical treatment and is expected to be transferred to jail to face a first-degree murder charge once medically cleared.
Mother Had Moved to Florida Hoping to Help Her Son
Sheriff Judd said Dufour had recently moved from Tennessee to Florida after accepting a new nursing job.
According to investigators, she hoped the move would provide better mental health resources for Nash, who reportedly had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and possible autism.
The sheriff also said she wanted to remove him from an environment in Tennessee where he was already well known to law enforcement.
Despite previous incidents, authorities said Dufour remained committed to helping her son begin a new chapter.
Prior Domestic Violence Incidents Revealed
Investigators said Nash had previously been arrested after allegedly threatening his mother with a knife during an incident in April 2026.
According to the sheriff, Dufour locked herself inside a smoke shop and called 911, leading to Nash’s arrest.
Later that month, authorities say another confrontation involving a knife occurred during an argument over an Xbox.
Despite those incidents, Sheriff Judd said Dufour posted bond for her son, brought him to Florida, and allowed him to live with her while seeking treatment.
Neighbors later reported hearing loud disturbances and heavy thuds coming from the home during the early morning hours of July 21, which investigators believe was when the fatal attack occurred.
Sheriff Calls Case One of the Most Violent He Has Seen
Speaking about the investigation, Sheriff Judd described the killing as one of the most violent murders his office has handled in recent years.
He said Dufour never stopped trying to help her son, even after earlier violent encounters, and called her a devoted nurse, mother, and caregiver who sacrificed everything in hopes of giving him another chance.
Authorities have not released details about any statements Nash may have made during the investigation, and it remains unclear whether he was taking prescribed medication at the time of the alleged attack.
The criminal case is ongoing, and the allegations against Nash have not yet been tested in court.
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Do you think more support is needed for families caring for loved ones with severe mental health challenges while also ensuring their safety? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
