Tyler Ryan BlansitA Mentone, Ala., man was arrested Friday after he confessed to killing his mother by bashing her in the head, authorities said.
Tyler Ryan Blansit, 22, told investigators he and his mother, Sherry Ann Blansit, 45, were arguing about grades when he struck her in the head, according to a news release from DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris.
The sheriff said it appeared Sherry Blansit died of blunt force trauma to the head, but her body was taken to the Department of Forensic Science in Huntsville, Ala., for an autopsy.
Al.com reported that Tyler Blansit, a biology student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, initially called deputies to the home on Friday and said he had found his mother dead.
Upon investigation and questioning, Harris said, Tyler Blansit confessed that he had hit her. Harris didn't say whether a weapon was used.
The district attorney ordered Tyler Blansit be arrested and charged with murder. Blansit is currently at the DeKalb County Detention Center awaiting bond, the sheriff said.
Harris thanked the agencies that collaborated on the investigation, including the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, the Mentone Police Department, the district attorney's office and the Department of Forensic Science at Jacksonville State University.
"Our thoughts and prayer go out to the family and friends during this tragic time," he said.