Pa. man charged in mother’s death says he acted in self-defense

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) — Authorities say a man charged in the death of his mother in her eastern Pennsylvania home says he acted in self-defense.

Lower Saucon Township police who went to the home shortly before 9:30 a.m. today said 49-year-old Philip Looby had blood on his hands when he answered the door.

Officers found 70-year-old Maryanne Looby dead on the floor with a “broken and bloody candle base” nearby. Authorities are still investigating how she died.

Authorities say she had sharp- and blunt-force injuries and several defensive wounds. Investigators allege that her son said he defended himself after she approached him with a cutting tool.

Philip Looby was charged with criminal homicide and taken to Northampton County prison.