A Westminster man who swung a large sword, striking and killing his brother, will serve a life sentence in prison, authorities said.  

Adams County District Judge Brett Martin sentenced 62-year-old Kenneth Sargent to life in prison without parole for charges of first-degree murder on Tuesday, according to a news release from the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. The sentencing followed a guilty verdict on Dec. 7.

Westminster police arrested Sargent on June 26, 2021 outside of his home near West 120th Avenue and Lowell Boulevard around 1 p.m. A nearby resident reported that a man had stabbed another man outside of the home. 

Upon arrival, responders found Roy Sargent — Kenneth’s brother — laying outside of the home with stab wounds in the heart and arm. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died of his injuries.

The incident started as a verbal altercation, according to authorities. Kenneth then got a large sword and swung it at Roy, hitting him multiple times.

Kenneth Sargent barricaded himself in the home before police arrived. SWAT negotiators were brought in after police officers failed to make contract with him. Officers also evacuated nearby houses and placed the rest of the neighborhood under a shelter-in-place order.

Sargent eventually surrendered around 8 p.m.

Following a nine-day trial, the jury found Sargent guilty. He had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. 

“This was a horrific and tragic case,” District Attorney Brian Mason said in the news release. “The defendant used a sword — in broad daylight — to take the life of his brother. I appreciate the hard work of my team on this difficult case. My thoughts are and will continue to be with the family who had to endure a level of pain and suffering that is truly impossible to comprehend.”