South Hadley man arraigned on murder charge in death of his father

BELCHERTOWN –South Hadley resident Craig R. Weise today pleaded not guilty to charges in connection with the September slaying of his father, David Weise Sr., 70, of South Hadley.

Eastern Hampshire District Court Judge Bruce S. Melikian ordered Weise, 35, held without bail after his arraignment on a single count of murder and a charge of attempted arson of a dwelling house.

Northwestern Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Suhl handled the arraignment on behalf of the Commonwealth. Weise was represented in court by Chicopee defense attorney Donald W. Frank.

The case was continued until Jan. 20 for a status hearing and the appearance of new counsel for the defendant. By that date, a new attorney is expected to be appointed to represent Weise.

Investigators allege that Craig Weise killed his father on Sept. 9, 2022, in their shared home at 37 Lawn St. and then attempted to set the house on fire. South Hadley Police were called to the home that day at around  4 p.m. by a home health care agency, where police discovered the body of David Weise Sr. and evidence of recent burning within the home.

An investigation into the circumstances of his death began immediately and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later ruled the death a homicide.

This case is being investigated jointly by the Hampshire/Franklin State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office and the South Hadley Police Department, with assistance from personnel assigned to the State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit (West), the State Police Crime Scene Services, and the State Police Crime Laboratory.

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Criminal charges are based on probable cause to believe a person has committed a crime.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.