Posted: Feb 13, 2026
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — A 17-year-old Fayetteville teenager is being held without bond after allegedly calling 911 and confessing to killing his mother earlier this week, according to court officials.
The suspect, Isaac Tracy, is being charged as an adult with first-degree murder in the death of his mother, Katharine Svaldi, authorities said.
Quick Summary
- A 17-year-old Fayetteville teen allegedly called 911 and confessed to killing his mother.
- The victim’s body was found in a trash can inside the family’s garage.
- The suspect is charged with first-degree murder as an adult.
- A Cumberland County judge denied bond during his first court appearance.
What Happened
According to court records, Tracy called 911 on Tuesday night and told the dispatcher he “wanted to get himself arrested because he killed his mom.”
When officers from the Fayetteville Police Department arrived at the family’s home, they discovered the body of Katharine Svaldi inside a trash can in the garage.
Police said Tracy had self-inflicted wounds and was covered in blood when officers arrived.
Investigators also found a note on the kitchen table that they believe Tracy wrote. Authorities say the note may detail a possible motive, but its contents have not been released.
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Court Appearance and Charges
Tracy made his first appearance in Cumberland County Court on Thursday, where a judge denied bond.
Because he is 17, Tracy is being charged as an adult under North Carolina law in the first-degree murder case.
He is currently being held at the Cumberland County Juvenile Detention Center.
Reaction from Neighbors
Neighbors said the family had lived in the home for approximately five months and largely kept to themselves.
Dina Koenitzer, who lives nearby, said she would frequently see Tracy but rarely saw his mother.
“I saw her twice,” Koenitzer said. “The boy, I saw him every day, morning and afternoon, after school. He’s a quiet boy.”
She said she was shocked when she learned what had happened.
“I almost cried,” she said. “I don’t know them, but it really hurts for me.”
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