GLOUCESTER, Mass. – A Gloucester funeral home owner’s grandson accused in the 1976 slaying of a manager at the business has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge.

Norman Pike was ordered held without bail Friday. A judge also ordered a medical exam to determine if the 52-year-old Pike should receive psychiatric evaluation.

In March, prosecutors announced two arrests in the death of 65-year-old Eleanor Wadsworth, who was beaten and shot when she surprised three men robbing a safe at the Pike Funeral Home.

Fifty-four-year-old Kevin Ireland of Gloucester also has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge. Authorities said the third suspect had died.

Pike was arrested in San Francisco. He was brought to Massachusetts this week.

 


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