A Castle Rock man has pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing his mother in her home in 2022.
Matthew Buchanan, 34, pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and attempted aggravated animal cruelty on Monday in Douglas County District Court.
“It’s despicable to learn a son would kill his own mother in a brutal act of violence,” 18th Judicial District Attorney John Kellner said. “This plea avoids a lengthy, gruesome, and emotional trial. I’m advocating for the maximum sentence under Colorado law to protect the community from this defendant.”
Buchanan is facing up to 48 years in prison for the second-degree murder charge. He will be sentenced on July 24.
On April 26, 2022, officers responded to a house fire on Dove Valley Place in Castle Rock. At the house, police found Elizabeth Bjorlow, Buchanan’s mother, deceased in her kitchen with wounds on her face, hands and feet. Bjorlow’s clothes had been set on fire.
Prosecutors say Buchanan set the house on fire with a man and two dogs inside. First responders rescued the man, who told them Buchanan and Bjorlow were arguing before the fire.
Doorbell camera footage showed a white minivan, later identified as Buchanan’s, leaving the house before first responders arrived.
Buchanan was arrested in Florida in May 2022, and extradited back to Douglas County to face charges.