Docs: Minn. man "heard voices" before killing grandmother

MINNEAPOLIS -- According to court documents, a 35-year-old man told police he heard voices in his head before killing his grandmother with a hammer, reports CBS Minnesota.

On Monday, charges of felony second-degree murder with intent -- but not premeditated -- were filed against Timothy Steel in Dakota County. The incident reportedly occurred last Thursday.

The suspect's mother had called just before midnight to report the death of 84-year-old Agnes Steele, according to the station. When officers arrived, they found her in an upstairs bedroom with trauma to the right side of her head.

According to the complaint, the suspect was sitting on the living room couch when officers arrived and asked him what happened. Steele appeared very calm, allegedly responding, "I killed my grandmother."

The complaint says that in an interview after his Miranda rights were interview, Steele said he was upset with his grandmother and believed she caused a hole in one of his jackets. He said he was also annoyed that she blew her nose at dinner, according CBS Minnesota.

Soon afterwards, the complaint states, Steele said he became fixated on the feeling of mucous in his mouth and said that could smell mucous. He also said began to hear voices in his head and grabbed a hammer, believing that he would feel better if he killed her.

The station also reported that he went to his grandmother's room -- and after contemplating whether to kill her -- did so, striking her eight times in the head, according to the complaint.

After the alleged attack, police say the suspect told them he thought about running and hiding, but ultimately decided to tell his mother.

His mother, according to the complaint, needed to convince him not to kill himself before calling 911.

Steele made his first appearance in court Monday, and bail was set at $750,000 without conditions and $500,000 with conditions, according to CBS Minnesota. His next court appearance is reportedly for January.

If convicted, he could face up to 40 years in prison.