Leedell Graham in Haverhill District Court Friday. (Karyn Regal/WBZ NewsRadio)
HAVERHILL, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The man accused of murdering the 82-year-old former Town Inspector of Groveland was arraigned in Haverhill District Court Friday.
Leedell Graham was arrested Thursday night and charged with murder in Patsy Schena's June 21 killing. Graham was ordered held without bail.
Speaking before Graham's arraignment, Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett told reporters Schena died of blunt force trauma, and said Schena and Graham knew one another.
"The defendant in this case knew the victim through various business dealings," Blodgett said. "I will not speculate at this point in time on a motive."
(Karyn Regal/WBZ NewsRadio)
In court Friday, the same day Schena is being waked, prosecutors said they have surveillance video showing Graham walking from his house in Haverhill to Schena's home.
Along that route, dogwalkers found a bag belonging to Graham which contained the handle of a knife, as well as the victim's car keys—and the lamp prosecutors believe Graham killed Schena with.
"In the middle of the clothing bundle was also a piece of jewelry that was taken from the house and identified by another family member," prosecutors said.
Graham's girlfriend was also present in court for his arraignment.
"I don't believe he would do this," she said.
Graham is due back in court August 1 for a pre-trial conference.
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WBZ NewsRadio's Karyn Regal (@Karynregal) reports