Suspect Pleads Not Guilty in Samurai Sword Slaying

Ismael Rodriguez pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Wednesday on a murder charge

A Holyoke, Massachusetts, man charged with killing a man in 2008 with a Samurai sword owned by the victim has been ordered held without bail.

Ismael Rodriguez pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Wednesday on a murder charge in the June 2008 slaying of Humberto Brindis.

The 22-year-old Rodriguez was arrested Tuesday after detectives who reopened the cold case linked him to the death through a fingerprint collected at the original crime scene. Rodriguez was 15 at the time but has been charged as an adult.

Brindis was found dead on the floor of his apartment suffering from a single stab wound.

Authorities say Rodriguez broke into Brindis' apartment and was surprised when the victim returned home, and used a weapon he found in the home.

Rodriguez's lawyer did not comment.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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