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Man Not Guilty Of Killing His Mother By Reason Of Insanity

Michael L. Marzo
Michael L. Marzo, 23, is charged with one count of first-degree murder in the stabbing death of his mother. (Credit: Bolingbrook Police Department)

JOLIET (CBS) -- A judge on Friday said that a southwest suburban man likely stabbed his mother to death in 2011, but found him not guilty of murder by reason of insanity.

Michael L. Marzo, 25, of Bolingbrook apparently was suffering from schizophrenia when he stabbed his mother in the back on Dec. 2, 2011, Will County Judge Robert Livas said during a bench trial.

Attorneys made no arguments during the trial, but submitted stipulations — evidence both sides agree is not in dispute — that Livas used to come to a verdict.

Delusions of mind control by his mother led to the stabbing, Livas said after reading through psychiatric evaluations submitted by attorneys.

Bolingbrook police were called about 3:45 p.m. that day to Shirley Marzo's house in the 500 block of Nassau Avenue. Her daughter had called 911 to report that her mother was dead.

Police found Shirley Marzo, 53, dead in her bathroom with a stab wound in her back, authorities said.

Michael Marzo was arrested later that night by Illinois State Police on I-55 near Chenoa, about 85 miles south of Bolingbrook. He has been held in the Will County on a $5 million bond ever since.

Michael Marzo underwent psychiatric evaluations that found he was insane at the time of the crime, authorities said. After treatment, he was found fit to stand trial in June.

The judge ordered him sent to the state Department of Human Services for further evaluation and treatment.

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