A 26-year-old Wellesley man appeared in court Friday morning, accused of stabbing and killing his father in a park the day before.
James Bennett III was arraigned on a charge of first-degree murder of his father.
An ADA with the Norfolk County District Attorney’s office alleged that Thursday night, James Bennett III went with his father to Phillips Park where they were playing soccer and having a discussion about the World Cup.
While there were very few people in the park, the ADA said a witness heard the victim, Bennett III’s father, also named James, screaming “he’s stabbing me!”
When police arrived, they indicated they were only able to find the victim because his legs were by the slide but he was bleeding profusely and had trouble speaking.
Officers asked who stabbed him and he told them “my son” before he lost consciousness.
The victim was taken to Newton Wellesley Hospital Thursday night, where he died.
The ADA said he had 20 stab wounds, including to the face, back of the neck, leg, stomach, and his arm was almost cut through.
Three separate people called 911.
Prosecutors say the son ran back home, where he lives with his mom, showered, changed clothes, put the knife and bloody clothes in a bag before turning himself in to the police.
Bennett allegedly told police where they could find the knife.
The ADA said Bennett III did not know at that time that his father had died.
Defense attorney Bill Crowe told the judge that Bennett III has a significant mental health history that will need to be explored and asked that bail be set without prejudice.
Instead, he was held without bail and a probable cause hearing is scheduled for July 10, although the defendant’s presence has been waived for that date.
Crowe said the family is asking for privacy.
The defendant’s mother and other family members were at the courthouse on Friday.
Crowe said they were there to show support and love for their son that was charged and are also terribly upset about the death of James.
The judge also approved impounding the police report in this case.
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