Murder suspect held without bail

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A Springfield man pleaded not guilty to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and is being held without bail. This, following the weekend murder of a Cathedral High School student, stabbed to death at a birthday party.

In a news release to 22News, Springfield Police Sgt. John Delaney said 20 year-old Eric Denson was arrested and charged with the murder of 17 year-old Conor Reynolds. Denson, who lives at 1026 Carew Street, Springfield, was taken into custody without incident at his home at 11 o'clock Tuesday night.

Denson pleaded not guilty to those charges in Springfield District Court on Wednesday. He was ordered held without the right to bail.

Defense attorney, Harry Miles declined comment to 22News regarding the case, but told the judge his client is innocent and prosecutors have yet to find the knife used in the murder.

In court, Denson's lengthy rap sheet was read aloud, detailing the suspect's violation of parole. Sgt. John Delaney also told 22News, the Springfield man was arrested in 2006 along with Mario Hornsby, Jr. and four others on an armed robbery charge.

Hornsby, Jr. was gunned down on Maynard Street in Springfield in 2008 and was also a star athlete at Central High School.

Reynolds, a star soccer player and Senior at Cathedral High School, was stabbed in the neck inside the Blue Fusion Bar & Grill on Saturday night. He later died at Baystate Medical Center.

At a news conference on Wednesday, Springfield Police Commissioner Fitchet said that Reynolds was trying to break up a fight on the dance floor when he was stabbed in the neck.

On Wednesday, the family of Conor Reynolds released this statement on the arrest of Eric Denson:

“We are very grateful to the local law enforcement for their diligent work in identifying and arresting a suspect in the murder of our son Conor. We would also like to thank all those who provided critical information to the police leading up to the arrest. We must now place our trust in the judicial system and pray that justice in this senseless killing will be served. We again encourage Conor’s many friends and classmates to honor his memory by committing themselves to non-violence.”

A wake for Springfield's second murder victim of the year is set for Thursday night, followed by his funeral Friday morning.