CENTENNIAL | A suburban Denver man accused of killing and dismembering his mother has a history of mental illness, the man’s father said Thursday.
Ari Liggett, 24, is being held without bond on suspicion of first-degree murder. He made an initial court appearance Thursday.
Ari Liggett’s father, Ronald Liggett, told KUSA-TV (https://on9news.tv/RIx9tB ) in Denver that his son has mental health problems.
“We’re failing our society in terms of mental health treatment, prevention and resources,” Ronald Liggett told the television station. Ronald Liggett did not live with his son.
Family members had reported Ari Liggett and his 56-year-old mother, Beverly Liggett, missing Monday. Around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, an officer noticed a vehicle associated with the mother and son near the family’s home. Authorities arrested the driver, identified as Ari Liggett, after a short chase.
Arapahoe County sheriff’s officials said an adult woman’s dismembered body was in the back seat of the vehicle. Coroner’s officials confirmed Thursday it was Beverly Liggett.
According to court records, a search of the family’s home found the poison potassium cyanide, traces of blood in the freezer and bathtub, and a large kitchen knife and handsaw in the dishwasher.
Ari Liggett told investigators he had found his mother dead in their home and thought she committed suicide, according to court records. He said he panicked and put her body in a freezer. He also told investigators he recently learned he wasn’t in his mother’s will.
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Information from: KUSA-TV, https://www.9news.com