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July 15, 2011 Worcester Man Charged with Rutland Murder EAST BROOKFIELD — A Worcester man was charged with first degree murder today in the slaying last week of Francis P. Spokis of Rutland, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. James M. Rutherford, 24, of 600 Main St., Worcester, was arraigned this afternoon in East Brookfield District Court, and Judge Timothy Bibaud ordered that he be held without bail and continued his case to Aug. 17. Mr. Rutherford and Lee Anne Chesko of Worcester were charged on Thursday with lying to police in connection with the death of Mr. Spokis, 52, who was found dead in his home at 120 Wachusett St., Rutland, on Sunday afternoon. Ms. Chesko has not been charged with murder. State Police detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s office obtained and executed a search warrant for Mr. Rutherford’s vehicle on Thursday. Senior First Assistant District Attorney Daniel Bennett said during the arraignment that evidence found in the vehicle, including blood and items that were believed to have been taken from the Spokis home, led to the murder charge. Mr. Early praised the State Police detectives, along with State Police chemists, the State Police Crime Scene Unit and Rutland Police, investigators whom he said have been working the case around the clock since the body was found. “The arraignment came after a great deal of hard work involving detailed and relentless pursuit of the people responsible for this murder,” Mr. Early said. “There is still work to be done and the effort continues.” Police are continuing the investigation. |
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