Man accused of mom's beating death pleads not guilty

A man who police say bludgeoned his mother to death at their Hempstead home in May pleaded not guilty Wednesday to her second-degree murder.

Police say Michael Parks, 38, beat his mother Priscilla Parks, 62, to death May 26.

She was found by John Parks - her husband and the defendant's father - that night when he arrived home from work in Manhattan.

Police have not said whether the son had a motive, but have said he has a history of mental illness. Parks was held in a psychiatric ward for several days after the killing.

Police have said forensic evidence led them to arrest Michael Parks as his mother's killer, but would not elaborate.

Parks' lawyer could not be reached for comment Wednesday.He is due back in court Aug. 31.