Palmer man arrested for murdering his mother, bail set for $1 million

PALMER — A 52-year-old Palmer resident, Chad Kaska, was recently arrested on murder charges related to the death of his mother, Cristy Kaska.

According to an affidavit written by Palmer Police Department officer Matthew Moore, PPD received a call from Kaska's father Gary around 11:14 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 7. Gary told the dispatcher that he had just arrived at home when he discovered his wife on the floor and he wasn't sure if she was breathing.

When law enforcement officers arrived on the scene, Chad Kaska was seen sweeping in the kitchen. Moore noted that there appeared to be broken glass and puzzle pieces spread across the carpeted area.

According to the affidavit, Kaska was in a highly agitated state and argued with the responding officers. He was eventually detained and escorted from the residence.

Moore indicated that Kaska is known to local law enforcement for having schizophrenic episodes.

Cristy’s body was found face-up covered in a blanket within one of the bedrooms. Investigators discovered a large kitchen knife, a tablet, and phone in what appeared to be Kaska’s bedroom. Multiple blood stains were found throughout the residence.

During Kaska’s interview at the police station, he claimed that the police and the medics murdered his mother and he was trying to save her. Blood stains were found on his clothing and one of his hands appeared to be swollen.

According to the affidavit, the state medical examiner indicated that Cristy’s body had multiple wounds on her arms, bruises on her arms and face, and a laceration on the back of her head consistent with a knife cut. It was also determined that it appeared that she was deceased for about 24 hours.

Following the investigation, Palmer Police arrested Kaska on first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence charges.

Kaska’s bail was set at $1 million ($500,000 cash appearance and $500,000 cash performance) during his arraignment hearing at the Palmer Courthouse Tuesday, Jan. 9. His next court appearance is a preliminary hearing scheduled for Jan. 19 at 10 a.m.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com