BROOMFIELD, Colo. – The man arrested last week in connection with the death of a man at a home in Broomfield was formally charged Friday with first-degree murder after deliberation and other charges.
Nicholas Licata, 33, was charged Friday in a Broomfield courtroom with first-degree murder after deliberation, second-degree assault (strangulation) and misdemeanor child abuse.
Prosecutors asked for buccal swabs from Licata in court on Friday as well for DNA testing purposes.
He was arrested last week in the death of 61-year-old Frank Licata, of Lafayette, who was found dead inside the home in the 100 block of Agate Way early on the morning of Jan. 18. When the county coroner identified him as the victim last week, Licata’s cause and manner of death was still under investigation.
Authorities have not said how or if the two are related, as the affidavit for Licata’s arrest has been sealed and remained so on Friday. Prosecutors told the court Friday there was no legal basis for the affidavit to remain sealed, but the defense objected. Judge Michael Goodbee allowed the defense attorneys seven days to file a motion to keep the affidavit sealed, after which prosecutors would have another seven days to file a response before the judge's ruling.
Police have said that the family of the victim has asked for privacy in the case.
Court records indicate Licata continues to be held without bond after his court appearance. They also show that he has a preliminary hearing in the case scheduled for April 12.