An Illinois man has been charged with the first-degree murder of his mother, whose body was reportedly discovered in a garbage can on Monday.
David Krystyniak is accused of fatally stabbing his mother, Judith Krystyniak, 74, with a two-foot-long sword at their shared home. A police officer and social worker, who had previous contact with the family, performed a wellness check on Monday after noticing debris in the driveway—resulting in them discovering the murder weapon and a large garbage can with Judith Krystyniak’s hand sticking out, according to WBBM.
Police alleged David Krystyniak said he was having “erratic thoughts” but let the officer and social worker inspect his home. They suspect he planned to put his mother’s body outside for trash pickup.
“David has told us about his involvement,” police said, according to the news station.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported that David Krystyniak has a history of mental health issues. Authorities are still investigating for a motive but said they had no knowledge of any previous domestic incidents at the home.
“We’ve had calls of him doing erratic things,” Park Ridge Police Chief Frank J. Kaminski said Wednesday. “For example, knocking on neighbors’ doors asking for money—asking for food.”
Kaminski referred to a recent incident where David Krystyniak allegedly called police claiming his mother was having an overdose. Officers reportedly arrived at the scene found Judith Krystyniak was alright. She told responding officers that her son was having issues with his medication, Kaminski said.
David Krystyniak, who had a 2008 conviction for battery, remains jailed without bail. He’s due in court on August 14.
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[Featured image: David Krystyniak and Judith Krystyniak/Park Ridge Police Department]
