Son charged with murdering mother in Stockbridge

Son charged with murdering mother in Stockbridge

Stockbridge police say a man was arrested after his mother was found stabbed to death. Officers identified the victim as 75-year-old Dianna Cleveland. Her son, Desmond Riley, was taken into custody as the investigation continues.

STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. - A son now faces murder charges after his mother was found dead Monday night, according to the Stockbridge Police Department.

What we know:

Police said officers responded to a home in the 100 block of Club Drive around 9:42 p.m. after reports of a suspicious person. When they arrived, officers found a man standing in a yard who told them his mother was dead inside the home.

Officers went inside and found 75-year-old Dianna Cleveland, who had been stabbed to death, police said.

The suspect, identified as Desmond Riley, was taken into custody. Police said charges are pending.

Desmond Riley was arrested for killing his mother, according to police.  (Stockbridge Police Department)

Police said Riley was arrested in Augusta for violence involving his brother and resisting arrest. 

What they're saying:

Joyce Scott was friends with Cleveland. She said she couldn't believe what happened and that she was trying to help her son. 

"I'm just really horribly shocked at what has happened and what has transpired. But I did know that her son... She was trying her best to get help for him and, he would do things like walk around the neighborhood and bang on the doors," Scott said. "She was really funny. And I'm going to miss her a lot. I really am, because I really like Dianna. She was really sweet."

What's next:

Riley now faces charges of malice murder, obstruction of an officer, and simple battery. He was booked into the Henry County Jail. 

The Stockbridge Police Department said it will turn the case over to the district attorney’s office for prosecution.