Beau Lieurance, 28, has pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Maricopa County, Arizona, admitting he pointed an assault rifle at his mother during a heated dispute over his claimed right to part of the family home.
Background
The incident occurred at the family's residence where Lieurance and his mother lived together. According to court proceedings, the confrontation escalated after years of tension surrounding Lieurance's belief that he was entitled to a share of the property despite not having gained legal ownership over the previous seven years.
"I finally became fed up," Lieurance reportedly said while appearing in court earlier this year.
Prosecutors detailed how Lieurance allegedly pointed the assault rifle at his mother and pulled the trigger, though the weapon did not fire. He also allegedly targeted an elderly man who was staying at the home during the incident.
The Charges
Lieurance was originally arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, carrying a weapon during the commission of a felony, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct. He accepted a plea agreement and pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on July 30, according to court records.
In court, Lieurance maintained that the charges against him were "completely false" and claimed he was actually the victim in the situation. He alleged that certain liquids may have been laced in his drinks and described what he characterized as intimidation tactics lasting three to four days.
"It was very obvious to any neighbor you could ask of that it was an intimidation for three to four days," Lieurance said during proceedings.
Prosecutors noted concerns about mental health factors in the case. It remains unclear whether Lieurance knew the gun would not fire, according to court documents.
Key Takeaways
- Beau Lieurance, 28, pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Maricopa County, Arizona
- He admitted to pulling an assault rifle trigger on his mother during a dispute over his claimed entitlement to the house
- The weapon did not fire during the incident; an elderly man at the home was also reportedly targeted
- Lieurance claimed in court that he was actually the victim and alleged his drinks may have been tampered with
What's Next
Lieurance is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 27. The case will proceed with the court determining appropriate sentencing for the two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon following his guilty plea.