06-21-2016, 04:32 PM
Man accused of killing Celina Cass appears in court
COLEBROOK, N.H. —The stepfather of an 11-year-old girl found dead nearly five years ago was arraigned on a second-degree murder charge Tuesday afternoon.
Father of Celina Cass hopes arrest leads to closure
The stepfather of an 11-year-old girl found dead nearly five years ago will be arraigned on a second-degree murder charge Tuesday afternoon.
Wendell Noyes, 52, was arrested Monday and charged in connection with the death of Celina Cass, whose body was found in the Connecticut River days after she was reported missing from her West Stewartston home.
Noyes is accused of causing Celina's death by submerging her in the river.
Prosecutors and a defense attorney discussed Noyes' competency to stand trial at Tuesday's hearing. Noyes was arrested at the state hospital, where he has been since December.
Noyes will be evaluated by doctors before further hearings are scheduled.
Assistant Attorney General Jane Young asked that the arrest warrant be sealed for the time being. No further details about the investigation were revealed.
Because of the nature of the charges, Noyes is not eligible for bail. He could be sentenced to up to life in prison if convicted.
Celina's family said the arrest brings some closure, but they still have many questions, including why.
Her father, Adam Laro, learned of the arrest Monday. He said he won't be at the arraignment, but he was relieved to hear that justice might finally be served.
"Her daddy was there for her, as far as I'm concerned," Laro said. "I'm still there, until the day I die."
Laro said the news of the arrest was similar to the news of his daughter's disappearance in 2011.
"I can still remember when I got the news bulletin when I was in the hospital bed, and I wanted to do all I could do to get out of there, to say what I had to say," Laro said. "When they put the cameras in front of me, I begged and pleaded for her to come back home."
Celina used to visit her father and grandparents on weekends. Her family said they suspected Noyes all along.
"The frustration and anger is still there, but what can you do?" Laro said. "If he was here right now, I'd say, 'You deserve what you got. How dare you ever do that to my daughter?'"
Family members said they hope the trial will put their questions to rest and that the punishment will fit the crime.
Taken from: http://www.wmur.com/news/man-accused-of-...t/40151708
COLEBROOK, N.H. —The stepfather of an 11-year-old girl found dead nearly five years ago was arraigned on a second-degree murder charge Tuesday afternoon.
Father of Celina Cass hopes arrest leads to closure
The stepfather of an 11-year-old girl found dead nearly five years ago will be arraigned on a second-degree murder charge Tuesday afternoon.
Wendell Noyes, 52, was arrested Monday and charged in connection with the death of Celina Cass, whose body was found in the Connecticut River days after she was reported missing from her West Stewartston home.
Noyes is accused of causing Celina's death by submerging her in the river.
Prosecutors and a defense attorney discussed Noyes' competency to stand trial at Tuesday's hearing. Noyes was arrested at the state hospital, where he has been since December.
Noyes will be evaluated by doctors before further hearings are scheduled.
Assistant Attorney General Jane Young asked that the arrest warrant be sealed for the time being. No further details about the investigation were revealed.
Because of the nature of the charges, Noyes is not eligible for bail. He could be sentenced to up to life in prison if convicted.
Celina's family said the arrest brings some closure, but they still have many questions, including why.
Her father, Adam Laro, learned of the arrest Monday. He said he won't be at the arraignment, but he was relieved to hear that justice might finally be served.
"Her daddy was there for her, as far as I'm concerned," Laro said. "I'm still there, until the day I die."
Laro said the news of the arrest was similar to the news of his daughter's disappearance in 2011.
"I can still remember when I got the news bulletin when I was in the hospital bed, and I wanted to do all I could do to get out of there, to say what I had to say," Laro said. "When they put the cameras in front of me, I begged and pleaded for her to come back home."
Celina used to visit her father and grandparents on weekends. Her family said they suspected Noyes all along.
"The frustration and anger is still there, but what can you do?" Laro said. "If he was here right now, I'd say, 'You deserve what you got. How dare you ever do that to my daughter?'"
Family members said they hope the trial will put their questions to rest and that the punishment will fit the crime.
Taken from: http://www.wmur.com/news/man-accused-of-...t/40151708