Adamsville police arrest mentally ill man for parenticide

Sept. 30– Adamsville police have arrested a man wanted for murdering his parents in Hardin County, Ky.

Erik Buggeland, 35, was taken into custody at 12:15 a.m. Tuesday on suspicion of double homicide after being found sleeping in his car on Sunset Drive, said Adamsville Police Chief Bill McCall.

He said officers Rickey Howell and Chris Ferris asked Buggeland why he was sleeping in his car and told him that if he wanted to sleep he could go to Adamsville City Park. Buggeland complied and went to the park.

The officers ran the tags from Buggeland’s car and discovered he was was listed as a missing person and a suspect in the killings. He was arrested several minutes later at the park without incident, the chief said.

Buggeland is accused of slaying his parents, retired doctors, on Sept. 21 at their Elizebethtown home they shared with their son.

McCall said Buggeland has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and that his officers used extreme caution in dealing with him.

"Just about a week ago our officers were put through a course on how to deal with the mentally disabled, and now here a week later they are putting it to use," he said.

McCall described the officers approach as "perfect" in dealing with Buggeland.

"The bottom line is we have a person in jail and our officers go home safely," he said.