Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
A 26-year-old Philadelphia man accused of fatally stabbing his father with a sword waived his right to a preliminary hearing before a district judge Wednesday afternoon.
During his minutes-long court appearance before District Judge Daniel Baranoski, Eli Goodrich had shaved his long hair and trimmed his facial hair since the August 4 stabbing death of his father, 67-year-old Alan Goodrich.
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Eli Goodrich, a graduate of St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, was set to be married late last month. Instead, he sits in Bucks County prison without bail on charges felony count of criminal homicide and a misdemeanor count of possessing an instrument of crime.
Police allege the 26-year-old part-time antiques dealer stabbed his father with a long-bladed sword in the TV room inside 527 Trappe Lane in Middletown’s Langhorne section.
Assistant District Attorney Marc Furber said he could not comment on a motive of why Eli Goodrich stabbed his father.
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Eli Goodrich reportedly told his father, who was a retired Neshaminy School District English teacher, that he was “not going to control my mind anymore.” He also said, according to court papers, “I have to kill you.”
Click here to see an exclusive photo gallery from the scene
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
June Goodrich, who is ill and requires frequent medical care, said told police her son said he loved her before he allegedly stabbed her husband to death.
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A short time later, June Goodrich told detectives she heard her husband of 45 years say, “you’re going to kill me.”
June Goodrich left the room she was in and walked into find Alan Goodrich with a sword protruding from his stomach, according to police.
Eli Goodrich allegedly stood behind his father and told his mother the sword was fake and collapses.
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The big problem was it didn’t collapse and Alan Goodrich had suffered a fatal injury to his stomach.
Eli Goodrich eventually pulled the sword from his father, revealing blood, according to court papers.
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June Goodrich was able to make an 9-1-1 call and told a dispatcher her son stabbed her husband intentionally.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
Middletown police quickly arrived to the home on quiet Trappe Lane in the Maple Point development and arrested the 26 year old. Neighbors said they watched Eli Goodrich, who one called a “real nice kid,” as he was placed in the back of a patrol vehicle in handcuffs.
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Alan Goodrich was rushed to St. Mary Medical Center and was pronounced dead a short time later.
Sgt. Steve Foreman, according to an affidavit of probable cause, found the sword with blood on it laying in the TV room after he arrived at the Goodrich residence.
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Detectives from Middletown and Bucks County District Attorney’s Office conducted a homicide investigation at the Trappe Lane house throughout the evening. Eli Goodrich’s car was towed as part of the investigation.
A search of Eli, Alan and June Goodrich quickly turns up Goodrich Antiques, a business that reportedly operated out of the house. The website states the business “is a second generation family business. With over 35 years of expertise combined with the awareness and strong back of youth, the Goodrichs have carved out a niche within the art world.”
Eli Goodrich is the only child of June and Alan, investigators told LevittownNow.com.
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