Easthampton man accused of burning mother ordered to remain at Bridgewater State Hospital
NORTHAMPTON (AP) — A judge has ruled that an Easthampton man found not guilty by reason of insanity of dousing his elderly mother in lighter fluid and setting her on fire must remain at a state mental health facility.
The Hampshire Superior Court judge found Monday that Gary Cernak is still a danger to others and denied his request to transfer to a less restrictive facility.
Cernak was sent to Bridgewater State Hospital following his May trial.
Authorities say the 58-year-old Cernak injured his mother in their home in May 2010. Dorothy Cernak suffered burns to her face and upper body, but survived.
The Republican reports that his lawyer told the judge that Cernak’s condition has improved with medication. A lawyer for the Department of Corrections said Cernak still suffers from delusions.
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