Ridgefield man admits to killing father in 'gruesome' crime; competency evaluation ordered
Ridgefield police responded to Uricchio's home on Powderhorn Drive around 1 a.m. Saturday for what they called a domestic violence incident.
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A Ridgefield man accused of killing his 81-year-old father had to be carried by marshals into his arraignment at Danbury Superior Court Monday, and then once beside his attorney, slumped over the defense table.
Steven Uricchio, 31, stayed that way for half the hearing, despite the judge’s requests that he stand up.
The arraignment still went ahead, during which Danbury State’s Attorney David Applegate requested a competency evaluation.
“The admissions that were made coupled with a particularly gruesome crime scene, I believe speak to the need for a 54-56d evaluation and a bond as set here at $1.5 million,” Applegate said.
Ridgefield police responded to Uricchio's home on Powderhorn Drive around 1 a.m. Saturday for what they called a domestic violence incident.
Court documents obtained by News 12 show Uricchio called police and reported he’d hurt his father.
When police arrived, "Uricchio stated, 'I murdered him.' Uricchio then paused and stated, 'really, really badly,'" according to the arraignment report and affidavit.
Police said they found Marc Uricchio, 81, dead in his bedroom.
"The victim's face, lower torso/abdomen, and groin were mutilated. What appeared to be internal organs from the above-mentioned areas were on the outside of the body," the report said.
A filet-style knife, with blood on the blade, was found nearby, according to the report. Police said Uricchio was taken into custody without incident.
“There is a significant mental health history here, about which I'll provide additional information to the state,” said attorney William Dow in court. Dow agreed with the prosecution's request for a competency review and said his primary concern is his client’s mental health.
The judge ordered a competency evaluation, mental health treatment and suicide watch.
After court, Dow told News 12: "This is a tragedy of Shakespearean dimensions. It has devastated the family as well as my client." Dow also said he hopes to resolve this in a way that gives everyone as much peace as possible.
The prosecution did not seek protective orders in this case. Uricchio has no prior arrests. He’s due back in court Sept. 4.
