Man Blames Satan for Mother's Murder, Judge Denies Bail

Man tells police Satan stabbed his mother to death

A judge denied bail for the man charged in the murder of his elderly mother on Chicago's Northwest Side.

Prosecutors say 54-year-old Joseph Nerone has a history of mental health problems, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Elaine Nerone, 84, was found Friday stabbed to death inside her Dunning neighborhood home on the 3800 block of North Normandy Avenue. 

Police found her son splattered with blood, according to the Tribune. When detectives questioned Nerone, he reportedly told police Satan had killed his mother.

Assistant State's Attorney Terry Clancy said it was not the first time Nerone blamed his alleged violent behavior to a spiritual being.

Following the murder Friday, Cook County Judge James Brown ordered Nerone sent to the hospital at Cook County Jail to undergo a psychological examination.

According to prosecutors, this is not Nerone's first run in with the law. 

Prosecutors said Nerone was convicted of battery for beating up a neighbor in April 2011. 

Court records show he was declared unfit for trial at first, the Tribune reported. Court records also show he was later ruled fit for trial and was sentenced to 18 months of court supervision.

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