Stewart Weldon is arraigned in Springfield District Court on a new charge of kidnapping on Monday, June 4, in Springfield, Mass. The Massachusetts kidnapping suspect who lives in a home where three dead bodies have been found has returned to court to face an additional kidnapping charge. A not guilty plea was entered Monday.
Stewart Weldon is arraigned in Springfield District Court on a new charge of kidnapping on Monday, June 4, in Springfield, Mass. The Massachusetts kidnapping suspect who lives in a home where three dead bodies have been found has returned to court to face an additional kidnapping charge. A not guilty plea was entered Monday. Credit: AP PHOTO

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Authorities have identified three bodies found at the Massachusetts home of a kidnapping suspect.

Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni said Monday all three were women, and two had been reported missing.

He identified them as 47-year-old Ernestine Ryans and 34-year-old America Lyden, both of Springfield; and 27-year-old Layla Escalante, of Ludlow.

He said the medical examiner has yet to determine the cause of the deaths but called them “suspicious.”

The bodies were found at the Springfield home of 40-year-old Stewart Weldon.

Weldon was arrested May 27 after a traffic stop and held on $1 million after pleading not guilty to kidnapping and other charges.

He was arraigned Monday on kidnapping and assault to rape charges pertaining to a second alleged victim.

He hasn’t been charged in connection with the bodies.