BELMONT, N.Y. — A preliminary hearing was held for William Larson, Jr. He is accused of killing his parents at their Clarksville home earlier this month.
His lawyers opted no to waive the case to the grand jury and proceed with the preliminary hearing.
2 On Your Side was allowed to have a reporter in the courtroom, but no cameras.
WGRZ reporter Dave McKinley says Larson was brought into the courtroom wearing a checkered shirt and sweatpants. At least one of Larson's family members is in court.
Details about the search for Larson were heard in court. The first witness to testify was New York State Police Investigator Christopher Weber. He was called early Thursday, November 21 to Cortney Hollow Road and arrived around 3 a.m. Investigator Weber said he was told Larson tried to prevent firefighters from entering the home where his parents were found. He said Larson had left with several long guns.
Officials say after a 16-hour manhunt Larson was taken into custody and taken to the New York State Police barracks in Amity. He was given a sandwich and pop by police, who also got him cigarettes. His interview with investigators was videotaped and played in court.
In the interview video, Larson is read his rights, and about 10 minutes later, while eating his sandwich, he describes the shooting of his mother. He claims it was his father who shot his mother, saying he sometimes used methamphetamines. He says his father also threw a knife at him. Larson says he then shot his father.
The interview was recorded November 21. Larson was wearing the same clothes in the video as he is wearing in court on Tuesday.
An autopsy report entered into evidence shows that William Larson Sr. and his wife Lisa Larson, for whom funeral services were held on Tuesday just after their son's court appearance, had been stabbed as well as being shot.
In addition, Larson says he left the bodies outside for more than two weeks before dragging them in the house where he then set the fire, that brought EMS crews.
Larson, who continues to be held on $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond after the judge ruled there was enough evidence to continue to hold him, is due back in court in December.
Defense Attorney Paul Cambria spoke with 2 On Your Side today about the case. Watch the full video below:
