SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Springfield serial killer Stewart Weldon was given three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole Thursday at Hampden Superior Court.
Weldon pleaded guilty to 39 criminal charges Tuesday, including three counts of first degree murder. He altered his plea days before his trial was set to begin. Each count of first degree murder carries a life sentence, which will be served consecutively.
Back in 2018, investigators discovered three bodies “in and around” Weldon’s Page Boulevard home. The victims were identified as 47-year-old Ernestine Ryans of Springfield, 34-year-old America Lyden of Springfield, and 27-year-old Kayla Escalante of Ludlow.
Weldon had originally faced 52 criminal charges, but under a plea deal, the number of charges was reduced to 39. Some of the charges Weldon pleaded guilty to include seven counts of indecent assault and battery (a downgrade from the initial charge of rape), kidnapping, and strangulation.
Weldon has been in jail since his arraignment in May of 2018, when bail had been set at one million dollars. In June of that same year, an additional $1M bail was set for additional charges.
The prosecution has recommended Weldon serve his life sentences in an out-of-state facility however, the judge stated the life sentences to be served at MCI-Cedar Junction in Norfolk, Massachusetts.
Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni provides statement on Stewart Weldon case