Scottsbluff man charged with murder after setting father on fire

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (KNOP) – New details have been revealed regarding the fiery death of a Scottsbluff man last week after his son was accused of lighting him on fire.

Elijah Cervantes, 44, was charged with second degree murder and first degree arson for the death of his father, Anthony Cervantes, last Friday night.

According to court documents, Elijah’s mother, Margaret, told Scottsbluff police she was on the phone with Anthony when the incident occurred.

Anthony told Margaret that Elijah threw gasoline on him and heard when Elijah told Anthony that he was going to, “light him up like methamphetamine,” before a scuffle between the two began.

Margaret told police she lost communication with Anthony shortly after and called 911.

Elijah was pulled over by officers after leading them in a small pursuit and told police he had burned his dad. He was arrested and booked in the Scotts Bluff County Detention Center.

He is being held on a 10% of $2 million bond. He’s also charged with flight to avoid arrest and willful reckless driving.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 4 at 2 p.m.

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