Charles Giem says he has been friends for years with Jasper Smiddie, but knew authorities would soon catch his friend.
LAKE WALES, Florida -- A 14-year-old who took off with Jasper Smiddie -- who is accused of brutally murdering his grandmother -- was back at home Wednesday night and spoke out about why he left with him.
Charles Giem says he has been friends for years with Smiddie, but knew authorities would soon catch his friend. He wanted to spend time with him and also be there for support. The two were arrested in Highlands County after they left Tuesday morning.
"I know people may look at him as a murderer, psychopath. I look at him as my best friend, but with some issues," said Giem.
Officials with the Polk County Sheriff's Office say 19-year-old Smiddie confessed to stabbing his 67-year-old grandmother, Gloria Helfrich, more than 90 times. They say he also shot her in the back of the head with a crossbow arrow and hit her in the face with a pipe wrench.
According to authorities, Smiddie even ate dinner and watched movies with his uncle that night, with his grandmother dead in her room. The uncle thought she was at work, since she usually works overnight.
Giem says he saw Helfrich's body because he didn't believe Smiddie at first. Tuesday morning, Giem took off with Smiddie to Highlands County. The two were arrested Wednesday after they were spotted coming out of an abandoned house. Giem says he co-operated with authorities, because he didn't want to be blamed for the murder.
Authorities say Smiddie didn't like his uncle and was planning to kill him, but instead decided to kill his mother, Smiddie's grandmother, to inflict more pain on him.
Smiddie is being charged with first degree murder. He should be transported back to Polk County Thursday.