A Holyoke man accused of killing an 18-year-old and leaving their body in the Connecticut River where police would later discover it in July pleaded not guilty to murder and firearm charges in connection with the reported killing.
In Hampden Superior Court on Monday, Elijah Melendez, 21, of Holyoke, was arraigned in connection with the murder of 18-year-old, Elis Vizcarrondo of Holyoke. Superior Court Judge Edward J. McDonough Jr. indicted Melendez on a murder charge, as well as carrying a firearm without a license and possessing a firearm without an FID card charges.
Vizcarrondo pleaded not guilty to the charges during his Monday morning arraignment.Related Content: Elijah Melendez of Holyoke arrested in connection to the murder of Elis Vizcarrondo, 18-year-old victim found in Connecticut River
Chicopee police found the 18-year-olds body floating in the Connecticut River near Catherine Street on July 3. After discovering the body, an investigation led police to discover a gunshot wound in the head of the young Holyoke man. Holyoke police later confirmed the body to be that of missing 18-year-old Vizcarrondo.
The district attorneys office said further investigation led authorities to discover that Vizcarrondos murder occurred at a residence on Clemente Street in Holyoke. A subsequent investigation will lead police to file a warrant for Melendezs arrest in connection with the killing.
Melendez is currently being held without bond, hes due back in court for a pre-trial hearing on June 20.