Suspect Pleads Not Guilty In North Adams Slaying

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. (AP) — A North Adams man charged with stabbing and beating an elderly neighbor to death has been ordered held without bail.

Prosecutors say 41-year-old David Delratez pleaded not guilty Monday in Northern Berkshire District Court to charges including murder and car theft in connection with the slaying last week of 84-year-old Ellen DePaoli.

DePaoli was found dead in her North Adams home Tuesday night. Police were called to the scene by DePaoli's son.

Delratez was arrested Thursday in Bennington, Vt., where police say he was driving DePaoli's car.

Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for the killing, but according to court documents Delratez and DePaoli were neighbors and he frequently visited her home.

A message was left with Delratez's lawyer.

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