Photos Show Large Holes Behind Springfield Home Where Bodies Found
SPRINGFIELD (CBS/AP) — New photos of the Springfield home where three dead bodies have been found show multiple large holes in the backyard as the investigation continues.
The images published by MassLive.com depict rectangular-shaped holes in the yard on Page Boulevard. Investigators have been digging and using ground-penetrating radar at the scene.
The suspect who lives at the home, 40-year-old Stewart Weldon, appeared in Springfield District Court on Monday to face a second attempted kidnapping charge and a charge of assault with intent to rape. A spokesman for Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni said the court appearance was unrelated to the discovery of the bodies and the ongoing search of Weldon's home.
Bail was set at $1 million.
Authorities released the names of the deceased victims on Monday. They are Ernestine Ryans, 47, of Springfield; America Lyden, 34, of Springfield and Kayla Escalante, 27, of Ludlow. Lyden was reported missing in December, Ryans in March. Their families and friends are "distraught and heartbroken," Gulluni said.
"Nobody was sure where she was at," said Holly Shlosser, Lyden's friend. "I prayed that she was found, but not like this."
There is no longer a threat to the general public, authorities said at a Monday news conference, even though no one has officially been charged with murder yet.
Weldon was arrested May 27 after fleeing a traffic stop. A woman in his car said she had been held against her will, beaten and sexually assaulted
Weldon pleaded not guilty to kidnapping and other charges and his being held on $1 million bail. His public defender has not returned calls for comment.
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)