Insanity Plea In Broomfield Murder, Assault Case: Report

BROOMFIELD, CO — The man accused of killing his father and assaulting his wife entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity on Tuesday, according to reports. Nicholas Licata, 33, strangled his wife and killed his father, Frank Licata, 61, accusers say.

Police were called to the 100 block of Agate Way to investigate a death the morning of Jan. 18. An arrest affidavit, obtained by Denver7, said the body was "missing a hand and foot" and that a "large knife or sword" was the possible weapon.

The Denver Post reported police as saying Licata's wife, during his alleged assault on her earlier, saw him take notice of a Samurai sword. She was afraid he would use it, she said, before escaping, the report said.

She was worried he was having an "episode" and got her child out of the house.

In a 911 call made by Nicholas Licata's uncle, the caller said his nephew was "chopping up Frank," the affidavit said. Officers had to taser Nicholas Licata to get him to drop the blade.

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Licata was charged on Jan. 24 with first-degree murder, second-degree assault (strangulation) and child abuse, according to court records.

The Denver Post reported Licata's psychiatric evaluation may be done at Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan.

See more on Patch:

• Broomfield Death: Lafayette Man, 61, Related To Man In Custody
• Broomfield Man Murdered, Dismembered His Father: Prosecutors