Cernak allegedly tried to kill his 83-year-old mother by dousing her with lighter fluid and setting her on fire.
Gary Cernak, of Easthampton, left, is seen during his arraignment in Northampton District Court. At right is public defender Thomas Robinson.NORTHAMPTON – The trial of an Easthampton man charged with trying to murder his mother could go forward in January 2012, attorneys told Hampshire County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Kinder.
Gary B. Cernak, 57, of 222 Park St., Easthampton, was in court for a status hearing Thursday and for the judge to act on a motion filed by his attorney Thomas E. Robinson asking that Cernak remain voluntarily committed to Bridgewater State Hospital. Kinder agreed to the motion.
Robinson told the judge that he was expecting to proceed with trial in January. The prosecution agreed, but no date was set. The case will be back in court Dec. 16.
In May 2010, Cernak allegedly tried to kill his 83-year-old mother by dousing her with lighter fluid and setting her on fire. Cernak pleaded innocent to charges in February after a Hampshire Superior Court grand jury indicted him.
Cernak is also charged with arson of a dwelling, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a person over 60, and mayhem in connection with the May 23, 2010, fire at his home.
According to police reports at the time, Cernak was seen standing near a vehicle eating salsa when police arrived at his home. His mother, Dorothy Cernak, was found in a living-room chair calling for help. She had burns to her upper body, face and head, authorities said.
According to court records, Dorothy Cernak told police her son was angry at her for calling the doctor and police the day before. Police had responded to her call to check on Gary Cernak’s well-being, court records said. That day, Cernak talked with police and “claimed he was fine and asked to be left alone.
“Dorothy Cernak told police then that her son is a passive person and she was not afraid of him,” according to a police report. Police instructed her on how to file for a restraining order, but she did not want to seek one, report said. According to court documents, Gary Cernak has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.