Newton local Christopher Ferguson was held without bail on charges in connection to the triple homicide of elderly residents in their home Sunday at his arraignment in Newton District court Tuesday afternoon.

Ferguson, 41, was arrested late Monday night in connection with the deaths of Bruce D’Amore, 74, Gilda “Jill” D’Amore, 73 and Lucia Arpino, 97, who were found stabbed and beaten to death in their Nonantum home Sunday morning.

Ferguson is charged with murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and burglary and is expected to be brought up on two additional murder charges once the autopsies on the two remaining victims are completed.

The defendant appeared in the courtroom on Zoom, after the arraignment was delayed several times through the morning and into the afternoon.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges. Defense attorney Dmitry Lev did not contest the prosecution’s request to hold the defendant without bail and was granted a request to allow the defendant to appear by Zoom again at the next court date.

The slain family members were found by a friend just after 10 a.m. after they failed to show up for church Sunday morning. The D’Amores were planning to renew their vows in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary and celebrate with friends and family at the church.

The next court date is scheduled for July 25 in Newton District Court.