With 3 Bodies Found At Springfield Home, Investigators Use Radar And Shovels To Search

Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni said investigators are using ground-penetrating radar to search a Springfield, Mass., property where three bodies have been found in recent days.

"Suffice it to say that with that technology, we were able to identify some areas of interest, and we're exploring that by hand and very carefully," Gulluni told reporters Friday morning. "If there's anything of relevance to our investigation, if there are any other victims, we're going to find it or them."

Gulluni said investigators would remain on the site "for days — if not longer than that."

Gulluni said the remains of the three people found dead are with the medical examiner in Boston for autopsies and testing. He would not confirm the genders of the deceased.

The investigation has focused on a home in East Springfield where 40-year-old Stewart Weldon is believed to live. Weldon was arrested last weekend following a police chase. A woman in his car said Weldon had kidnapped, sexually assaulted and beat her.

"I don't have any updates on her condition, Gulluni said. "My understanding is it's not a life-threatening condition, but she is at hospital under care."

Weldon is being held on $1 million bail.

Gulluni said after the initial arrest Sunday, police recieved additional information that led them to look closer at the house. He confirmed that when police arrived, there were people there.

"Where they are specifically right now, I don't know, and it's not terribly relevant," Gulluni said. "But everybody who was there is accounted for and — as far as we know — is safe."

The residents there reportedly included a child. According to MassLive, the state's Department of Children and Families said it took "emergency custody of a child in the home."

Also at Friday's press conference, Springfield Police Commissioner John Barbieri deferred questions about the investigation to Gulluni. But Barbieri did applaud the officers involved in Weldon's arrest.

"[It was an] outstanding job to recognize that that young lady needed assistance," Barbieri said. "That started out a routine traffic stop, which is something the men and women of the Springfield Police Department do day-in, day-out. It's a very dangerous job, and sometimes even the most routine stops could lead us to the most significant details and discoveries."

This report, which was originally published by New England Public Radio, includes information from The Associated Press.