Opening Statements Begin In Trial Of Man Accused Of Dismembering Mother
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (CBS4) – A trial has begun in a stunning murder case involving a man accused of dismembering his mother.
Ari Misha Liggett, 26, is set to stand trial for killing and dismembering his 56-year-old mother, Beverly Liggett, at their home in Centennial in 2012.
The court handled jury selection for the case on Tuesday.
Ari Liggett will face a judge and jury Wednesday when his murder trial gets underway with opening statements.
Liggett is accused of poisoning and dismembering his mother. Earlier this year he pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity but was found competent to stand trial.
Liggett was arrested after he and his mother were reported missing. Police spotted Liggett in a small SUV, and inside the vehicle they found his mother's dismembered body.
Potassium cyanide was found in the family's home by hazmat crews during a search.
"Potassium cyanide is a fairly toxic chemical; it certainly is lethal when ingested," Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson said in 2012.
Police believe Liggett's motive stems from finding out his mother had removed him from her will. His father told CBS4 that Liggett has a history of mental health issues.
During court proceedings on Wednesday the defense stated Liggett was insane at the time of the crime. They argued he's suffered from unresolved mental health issues throughout his life and claim the crime was not deliberate.
Liggett is being held on a $100,000 bond. The trial is expected to last through Nov. 14.
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