In the gated Monterey Lake community in Delray Beach, Florida, what should have been a quiet neighborhood setting turned into a scene of unspeakable tragedy. Alexander Harrington, a 50-year-old who described himself as an 'intuitive healer,' is now behind bars, charged with first-degree premeditated murder in the death of his 77-year-old mother, Susan Baratto.
On the afternoon of Sept. 11, the situation came to light when Harrington reportedly called Boca Raton’s non-emergency dispatch. According to a police affidavit, he identified himself and told the operator he had killed his mother. When the call was forwarded to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Harrington allegedly confirmed the details, stating he had used a knife.
When authorities arrived at the home, they discovered Baratto, who had been stabbed multiple times. A knife was found nearby. While being treated by paramedics for a cut on his left arm, Harrington allegedly confessed again, telling them, “I killed my mom.”
During later questioning at the sheriff's office, Harrington's behavior was erratic. He reportedly struggled to recognize his own voice from the initial 911 calls and seemed confused when viewing video footage of a man—whom he didn't immediately identify as himself—pacing near the home. He told investigators he has been sober since 2007 and disclosed a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder with bipolar features.
Real talk: it’s giving a total disconnect from reality. Just a day before the incident, he posted a video on Facebook preaching about the necessity of forgiveness. "You have to open your heart to forgive," he said in the clip. "You can’t just say ‘I’m a forgiving person,’ because that does nothing."
Harrington is currently being held without bond. His next court appearance is set for October 11.
Why it matters
This case has left a community shaken, highlighting the intersection of untreated mental health struggles and sudden, violent crime. While the legal process moves forward, the chilling nature of the confessions and the bizarre public persona of the accused have raised deep questions about what led to this devastating outcome.
