Scottsbluff man formally charged with murder accused of setting father on fire

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — A Scottsbluff man is now formally charged with second-degree murder and first-degree arson following the fiery death of his father last week.

Elijah Cervantes, 44, remains in custody after allegedly dousing his father, 74-year-old Anthony Cervantes, with gasoline and setting him on fire at their home at 1022 11th Ave. just before 9:45 p.m. on March 20. Anthony was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to court documents, Anthony was on the phone with his wife, Margaret, at the time of the incident. Margaret told Scottsbluff police she heard Elijah threaten to "light him up like methamphetamine" before a struggle ensued. She said communication with Anthony was lost shortly afterward, prompting her to call 911.

Police located Elijah shortly after the fire and initiated a brief pursuit before taking him into custody. He reportedly told officers that he had burned his father.

In addition to murder and arson, Elijah Cervantes faces charges of flight to avoid arrest and willful reckless driving. He is currently being held in the Scotts Bluff County Detention Center on 10% of a $2 million bond.

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

The Scottsbluff Police Department was assisted in the investigation by the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office, Gering Police Department, the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).