Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group

Man Shot Autistic Son Multiple Times In Bed

Updated: Sep 19, 2008 02:57 PM

GRAND JUNCTION - Deputies said a Grand Junction man accused of killing his 13-year-old son told his wife he shot the boy because she was "ruining him."

An arrest warrant affidavit released Wednesday recounts the allegations against 51-year-old Allen Lee Grabe, held on suspicion of first-degree murder and fatal child abuse.

Authorities said Grabe shot and killed Jacob Allen Grabe on Sept. 11.

The boy's name has not been officially released, but the several neighbors and friends identified him as Jacob Grabe, an eighth-grader at Grand Mesa Middle School. The boy had a neurobiological disorder similar to autism called Asperger's syndrome, according to the Grand Junction Sentinel.

The affidavit said Grabe's wife, Jacquette Grabe, told investigators her husband went into their son's bedroom twice, firing several shots each time.

An autopsy performed by the Mesa County Coroner's Office determined that Jacob Grabe died of multiple gunshot wounds, and his manner of death is considered a homicide, the coroner's office said Wednesday

According to the affidavit, Allen Lee Grabe told her, "I had to kill him because you were ruining him."

Jacquette Grabe told investigators her husband had never before been physically or emotionally abusive.
Allen Grabe was being held under a $1 million bond.
Posted on 09/24/08, 04:09 pm