Who is Springfield ‘serial killer’ Stewart Weldon, who are his alleged victims and why did his mum phone police?
Three dead bodies were found at the home of the 40-year-old in Springfield, Massachusetts
THE bodies of three missing women have been found at the Massachusetts home of criminal Stewart Weldon.
Another woman, who claims she was being held against her will, was found in the suspect’s car when he was pulled over by cops for a broken tail light.
Who is Springfield ‘serial killer’ Stewart Weldon?
Weldon, 40, was born in Jamaica Queens, New York, and has a long criminal history in New Jersey and Massachusetts, reports .
His previous charges include burglary, weapons offences, and assault.
The suspected killer has lived at different addresses in Springfield, Massachusetts, since 2005.
His mother reportedly owns the home in which the bodies were found, according to property records.
Who are his alleged victims?
In May 2018, Weldon was arrested after fleeing police when they tried to pull him over for a broken tail light and a woman inside said she was being held hostage.
Three days after he was detained, police discovered the bodies of three women who have since been identified as Ernestine Ryans, 47, America Lyden, 34, and Kayla Escalante, 27.
Lyden had been reported missing on December 1, 2017, but hadn't been seen by her family since June, and Ryans vanished on March 18 - both were from Springfield.
Young mum Escalante, of neighbouring town Ludlow, who would have turned 27 on May 30, was last seen in December.
Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni did not say how long the bodies - found in the garage and basement - had been at the home and would not call the deaths homicides.
He said the medical examiner was still trying to determine the cause and manner of death, but said they are "suspicious at the very least".
Gulluni added that the victims' families "are distraught and heartbroken".
Weldon pleaded not guilty last week after the woman in his car said she was being held against her will by the driver, who she alleged had sexually assaulted and beaten her with a hammer.
Her injuries included a possible fractured jaw and stab wounds, police said.
After that court appearance, a second woman came forward and said Weldon had kidnapped her in February, prosecutors said.
Investigators remained at the house and no one has been charged in connection with the discovery of the bodies.
Weldon's bail was set at $1million (£750,000).
He is scheduled back in court on both cases on June 29.
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Why did his mum phone police?
Three days after he was taken into custody on May 27, his mother called cops to report a "foul smell" at the house they share in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Investigators then searched the property and found three dead bodies.
According to reports, "there were residents at the home" which is listed in the suspect's mother's name.
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