Police: Brooklyn man killed grandmother with dumbbell, thought she was possessed

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn (WABC) -- A man has been charged in the death of his grandmother, who police said he thought was possessed, after she was found wrapped in a blanket on a Brooklyn sidewalk.

Barry James, 32, was charged with killing his 70-year-old grandmother Joyce Spears.

A bloody 35-pound dumbbell, the apparent murder weapon, was found outside his window, according to the New York City Police Department. But the victim may also have been stabbed.

The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.

Police said James, who has a psychiatric history, told detectives he thought his grandmother was possessed. She was discovered with her dead cat, wrapped in a blanket and covered with trash bags.

Authorities said the victim was found by a cab driver on Union Street near Troy Avenue just after 1:45 a.m. Thursday.

In 2009, police reportedly used a taser on James after he had a psychiatric episode. Then, in January 2010 and June 2013, authorities said he failed to take his medication and was treated at Kings County Hospital.