George W. Bryce, 21, of Beach Park.

The 21-year-old man charged with killing his 70-year-old father with garden shears in Beach Park has pleaded not guilty after undergoing treatment and being found fit for trial.

George W. Bryce, 21, of the 12900 block of Peacock Road in Beach Park, was charged with three counts of first-degree murder in connection with the death of Warren H. Bryce, 70, of Beach Park.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded at 3:05 p.m. July 18 to the 12900 block of Peacock Road and found Warren Bryce laying on the floor with multiple sharp-force injuries, Lake County Sheriff Spokesman Sgt. Christopher Covelli said.

Deputies administered aid to the man before he was transported by ambulance to Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan with critical injuries. He died the next day around 1:30 p.m., Covelli said.

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“The initial responding deputies quickly ascertained the man’s son, George W. Bryce, was responsible for causing the injuries to his father,” Covelli said.

Detectives learned that George Bryce and his father were involved in a “domestic-related incident” when George Bryce attacked his father, Warren Bryce, with a pair of garden shears, Covelli said.

A Lake County judge ordered Bryce to undergo mental health treatment at a secure facility in Elgin. He spent two months at the facility before being deemed fit and was sent back to the Lake County Jail.

On Wednesday, Bryce pleaded not guilty to the charges and a jury trial has been scheduled for April 20.

Bryce, who remains held in the Lake County Jail on a $3 million bond, is due back in court on December 20 for a case management conference.