BROOMFIELD, Colo. — A Broomfield man who stabbed his father to death in 2019 was found not guilty by reason of insanity Thursday, officials announced.
Nicholas James Licata, 35, pleaded not guilty in the case, and Broomfield County District Court Judge Don Quick issued a written verdict this week. Licata was ordered to be committed to the Colorado Department of Human Resources.
Licata tried to strangle his wife early on the morning of Jan. 18, 2019, telling her, "It's time for you to go now," according to authorities. When his wife and four-year-old son escaped to a neighbor's house, Licata's father, Frank, stayed behind to talk to his son.
Licata's mother and brother-in-law later entered the home and found Frank Licata with multiple stab wounds on the floor. Nicholas Licata used a Samurai sword in the attack, authorities said.
An evaluation from a forensic psychologist found that Licata suffered from psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Doctors said Licata was having a psychotic episode and was unable to distinguish right from wrong.
"I'm so sorry this happened to you," Quick told the Licata family, according to a news release from the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office. "I can't imagine."