Son Charged In Mom’s Thanksgiving Day Beating In West Chester

WEST CHESTER, PA —A 42-year-old man is accused of attempted first-degree murder in the Thanksgiving beating of his 81-year-old mother, police said Tuesday.

Michael D. Giffing is in Chester County Prison in lieu of $750,000 bail after being arraigned before District Judge Marc J. Lieberman on charges attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault and related charges.

According to West Chester police:

• Police responded to a call on Thanksgiving at 6:10 p.m. about an unconscious person who suffered a fall in the 300 block of W. Ashbridge Street.
• On the way to the call, police learned the woman suffered possible cardiac arrest and was taken to Chester County Hospital.
• Police said the injuries were not consistent with a fall.
• A subsequent investigation results in police arresting the victim’s son on Monday.

More information will be reported when it become available.