Prosecutor: Man Dismembered Brother After Killing Him

Sixty-five-year-old Michael Dowjat of Holden, Massachusetts, pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder of his brother, 59-year-old David Alan of Rutland.

A prosecutor says a 65-year-old man dismembered his brother's body after fatally stabbing him in a dispute over money.

Michael Dowjat of Holden pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder Tuesday in Worcester Superior Court. He is held without bail.

The Telegram & Gazette reports prosecutor Terry McLaughlin said 59-year-old David Alan of Rutland had more than 70 stab wounds and his head, arms and legs were severed. The body was found June 14 in a locked basement at Alan's home. McLaughlin said DNA linked Dowjat to the scene.

Defense lawyer James Reardon said evidence suggests a "significant altercation" but it isn't clear what happened. He said Dowjat has a serious heart condition.

McLaughlin said the brothers hadn't spoken in two decades since Dowjat was left out of their father's will, and Dowjat had money problems.

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Information from: Telegram & Gazette, http://www.telegram.com

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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