Authorities say a mother who killed herself in her Huntsville home on Saturday had drowned her eight year autistic son in the Honeycomb area of the Tennessee River prior to committing suicide

The body of young Randle Barrow was discovered during a search by authorities in Marshall and Madison counties.  His mother, Delicia Barrow, age 42 – was found dead in her home on Alberta Drive at around 10:00am and the house was on fire.

They had originally gone to the home to check on Randle Barrow who had not been to school for two days.

Police have declined to say how Delicia Barrow died or what caused the fire.

A spokesperson for the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office said Mrs. Barrow had left a note, which provided clues to the location of Randle’s body. Authorities say at this point in the investigation it appears that she drove the eight year old into Marshall County, drowned him and then returned to her Huntsville home where she committed suicide.

The motive for Mrs. Barrow’s actions remain a mystery – and the investigation into that matter is on-going.

(al.com)