Mentone records first homocide in 25 years

Tyler Ryan Blansit

45 year old Sherry Ann Blansit, was beaten to death in the backyard of her mentone home Friday. Blansit's son, Tyler Ryan Blansit, has been charged with murder in her death.

Tyler Blansit, a 22-year-old University of Alabama in Birmingham biology student, told DeKalb County investigators he beat his mother with a baseball bat during an argument about his grades. Sherry Blansit died of blunt force trauma to the head.

The investigation did not initially focus on Tyler Blansit, who was staying at home with his parents while on a break between semesters. He initially told investigators that he and his mother had both been attacked, and that he sustained scratches and a knot on the head.

After further questioning at the sheriff's office, and further investigation by detectives, Blansit reportedly admitted killing his mother.

The homicide, Mentone's first in at least 25 years, has rocked the town of fewer than 500 people. Residents said the Blansit family is well-known in the area. Sherry Blansit, who worked at a local bank for many years was described as a quiet woman who reportedly suffered from multiple sclerosis.