The sports community is shocked by the arrest of former UConn basketball player Eric Cobb, 28, who faces a second-degree murder charge in the death of his mother, Erika Ellen Winford.
The tragic events took place at their home on 15th Street West in Jacksonville, Florida.
This heartbreaking incident disclosed Cobb’s issues with mental health, his parents’ efforts to support him, and the horrible situation leading up to Winford’s death.
Eric Christopher Cobb, born on June 10, 1996, is the son of Terrance Cobb and Erica Ellen Winford.
Before he attempted the murder of his mother, he had been released on bond last year while facing charges in another case.
On October 21, 2023, Jacksonville police were dispatched to Franklin Street, where an unknown guy described as combative was lying on the ground and “appeared incoherent.” An officer informed the man that he had to leave the premises and attempted to help him.
According to authorities, the guy, who was later identified as Cobb, stood but then fell. As the officer attempted to bring Cobb to his feet again, “the suspect tensed” and shouted, “Hancock!” according to police.
In 2024, his mother, Winford, pleaded with a judge to release her son. In the letter, Winford referred to her son as “a victim of circumstance” rather than a criminal, claiming that circumstances beyond his control had ruined his life.
𝐉𝐒𝐎 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) February 11, 2025
Your #JSO Homicide Unit swiftly arrested 28-year-old Eric Cobb for the murder of his mother.
Patrol officers responded to a disturbing scene on 15th Street West in the… pic.twitter.com/EFAWzfbboM
Unfortunately, on Sunday, February 9, Erika Winford was found lifeless with multiple gunshot wounds to her head, stomach, and leg.
On the day of the incident, a friend of Winford, concerned after not hearing from her, discovered a gruesome scene at her home.
There was a large amount of blood and what appeared to be a body wrapped in a blanket.
In contrast, Police arrived at the scene and arrested Cobb as he attempted to leave the property.
The evidence at the scene showed bullet holes, bloodstains, and used round casings, showcasing a terrible picture of what happened.
Erika’s friend shared that those close to the situation said Erika Winford was afraid of her son, whom she described as ‘possessed‘ and suffering from schizophrenia. She also mentioned that he needed medication she could not afford
After the incident, Eric’s father, Terrance Cobb, expressed his grief and the family’s efforts to get Eric’s help.
He revealed the challenges they encountered in dealing with his son’s therapy due to his adulthood, which required his approval for medical involvement, and said,
‘Erika paid the ultimate sacrifice for the love of her child, by giving her life.I am so so sorry she lost her life. I am doing the best I can with the unfortunate conditions.’
Via First Coast News
Eric Cobb’s history includes a previous arrest for shooting at an occupied car with a BB gun in 2016, leading to his dismissal from the University of South Carolina.
According to a police report, Cobb’s brother told police that Eric appeared schizophrenic and was involved in an incident in which he “cursed out” their mother about a month and a half ago.
Eric Cobb Was Named To The Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll In The Spring Of 2018
He went to Sandalwood High School at North Florida Educational Institute, where he helped that school reach the final four of the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 2A basketball.
Cobb further improved his skills at Potter’s House Christian Academy and St. Francis Academy in Baltimore, where he averaged 13.0 points and 9.0 rebounds, earning recognition as a four-star prospect and a top power forward by ESPN.com.
Cobb’s college career began at Chipola College in Marianna, Florida, where he earned an associate’s degree and was selected for the Second Team All-Panhandle Conference.
His journey led him to the University of South Carolina before transferring to UConn.
Despite showing promise at UConn, he was suspended in January 2018 for conduct detrimental to the team during a heated disagreement.
Cobb’s stay at UConn was difficult, even after he was briefly reinstated. He played 15 games and was Named to Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll in Spring 2018.
Eric Cobb’s life changed as he battled schizophrenia, a chronic brain disorder. This struggle made it impossible for him to maintain a job or obtain stable housing.
As his condition got worse, the weight of his situation ended in a devastating incident in which he harmed his parents.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Cobb’s initial court appearance was scheduled for Tuesday, 11th February morning.
- Eric Cobb is 28 years old, and his mother, Erika, was 51 before she was killed.
- Eric was raised with two other siblings: an older sister, Makeda, and a younger brother, Terrick.
