Man who thought mom was possessed pleads guilty in her death
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A Vermont man who told police he attacked and killed his 82-year-old mother because he believed she was possessed by Satan has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
The Rutland Herald reports 55-year-old Roderick Geronimo, of East Poultney, entered the plea Thursday in the 2012 death of his mother, Gertrudes Alwardt.
Police say Geronimo violently pushed a table into her and hit her over the head with wine decanters before pouring water into her mouth to "cast the devil out."
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Alwardt died of blunt force trauma to the head and torso.
The defense and prosecution agreed that Geronimo was suffering a psychotic episode at the time, and his charge was reduced from murder.
Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 28. Geronimo faces one to 15 years in prison.
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Information from: Rutland Herald, http://www.rutlandherald.com/