The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office is investigating what deputies describe as a brutal attack inside a Semmes home that left a woman dead.
Investigators say a son used a ceremonial-style sword to attack his mother, uncle and brother. Deputies found the mother, Helen Washam, dead when they arrived at the residence on Mausap Road. The uncle, George Nettles, who is bedridden with cerebral palsy, suffered severe cuts to his face, and the brother, Desmon Washam, had cuts to his wrist.
Capt. Paul Burch of the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office said the weapon was a ceremonial-type blade roughly three feet long that had been recently purchased. He noted that while homicides involving blades such as machetes or axes are not unheard of, an attack with a sword stands out.
Investigators say the suspect, Damien Washam, left the scene before deputies arrived. A BOLO (be on the lookout) was issued for him and the vehicle involved. He later led Saraland Police on a brief chase, was stopped with tire-deflation devices, and was taken into custody after a struggle in which a Taser was deployed. One prong struck him in the head, and he was taken to the hospital.
Once Damien Washam is released from the hospital, the sheriff’s office said he will be taken into custody and questioned. Burch said the suspect had no known criminal history and that there were many unanswered questions about what led to the attack.