Authorities in Florida have brought charges against a man who allegedly attacked and carjacked his 77-year-old grandmother before later writing her a 4-page letter to apologize for his actions. According to FOX 35 Orlando, the February 6 incident occurred at a home in Leesburg.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said officers went to the residence to investigate a battery and theft report. The 77-year-old victim informed the responding officers that her grandson Alan Aspinwall had initially told her that he wanted to retrieve something from her car boot.
The affidavit stated that when she stepped outside to check if she had unlocked her car, Aspinwall allegedly took the key from her by force before shoving her to the ground and driving away. The septuagenarian sustained injuries on her hand, finger, and forearm.
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The car was ultimately located by authorities the following day – though the key was not found. Aspinwall also had a car key on him at the time he was arrested, but the owner of the key could not be established, the affidavit stated. Aspinwall also claimed he wasn’t behind the car theft.
“The defendant stated multiple times that he felt remorseful for what happened but would not provide any information regarding the incident itself. The defendant continued to deny involvement; however, the defendant wrote a four-page ‘apology letter’ to the victim,” the affidavit stated, per FOX 35 Orlando.
The apology letter reads: “Dear Grandma: First and foremost you are the most beloved person in the whole world coming from me and everyone else. I want to apologize for not being the young man you raised. … You are my everything. … I’m truly sorry for the negative events that’s been going on in my life, my mind has been so in the gutter. … Thank you for always forgiving me even if I’m wrong.”
The suspect also pledged to “be the great example of a loving father and loving grandson” when he gains his freedom. “Tell (my son) that his daddy was wrong. Tell him to always respect his grandma,” he added.
Aspinwall’s grandmother also linked his issues with addiction to his actions. The suspect faces a slew of charges including unarmed carjacking, domestic battery on a person 65 years of age or older, and theft from a person 65 years of age or older, the affidavit stated.
“She is someone that’s taken care of him and raised him, so for him to treat her in that manner, in an aggressive way, her being elderly, it’s definitely unacceptable, for sure,” Cpl. Chanel Martin said.
