Arizona man with mental problems sentenced to prison in mother’s slaying

KINGMAN, Ariz. — A man diagnosed as being paranoid schizophrenic who stabbed his mother 48 times and buried her body on her remote property in northwest Arizona pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Tuesday.

Roger Drake, 47, did so after attorneys and the judge repeatedly advised him that he could possibly be confined for a shorter period of time if he instead opted for an insanity plea and treatment at a state psychiatric secured facility.

Legal Defender Ron Gilleo and Drake told Mohave County Superior Court Judge Derek Carlisle that Drake was fully aware of his options and wished to waive an insanity defense. “He does not want to go to the state hospital. He wants to go to prison and get this over as quickly as possible,” Gilleo said.

Prosecutor Jace Zack said Carol Drake, 66, moved to the tiny community of Yucca to provide a haven for her son who has battled mental illness for years. He said concerned out-of-state family members asked for a welfare check when their communication with Drake ended early last year.

Zack said deputies found Drake in a grave on her property and that she had been severely beaten and repeatedly stabbed before she was buried. He said Drake eventually admitted his involvement in the homicide.

A 21-year prison term is mandated in the plea agreement. Sentencing is scheduled June 30.