Defense fights Liggett records’ release

Attorneys for the 24year-old Centennial man accused of poisoning and dismembering his mother argued Wednesday they are not required to disclose all of his medical records.

Ari Liggett faces one count of first-degree murder in the death of his 56year-old mother, Beverly.

Greenwood Village police officers say they found Liggett on Oct. 17 driving an SUV around with his mother’s remains in the back.

In July, Liggett pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and 18th Judicial District Chief Judge William Sylvester ordered Liggett to undergo a mental health evaluation at Arapahoe County Jail, where he is being held.

On Wednesday, public defender Jennifer Ahnstedt responded to amotion from prosecutors that asked defense attorneys to provide additional medical records to the mental health evaluator completing the report on Liggett.

Ahnstedt argued that defense attorneys provided a full list of physicians and psychologists relevant to the report and that information about doctors who treated Liggett for unrelated physical ailments were not relevant. For example, Ahnstedt said, a doctor who treated Liggett for strep throat was not relevant for a mental health evaluation.

But prosecutors argued that the law was broader and the redacted records allow defense attorneys to “manipulate” the information they are providing the evaluator.

Prosecutors also argued that information showing Liggett’s ability to contact doctors may be relevant to his mental condition.

Liggett sat quietly during the hearing. His long, brown hair slid off his slouched shoulders and into his face as he listened to Ahnstedt speak.

Sylvester did not rule on the issue and insteadwill issue a written ruling.

The case is sealed.