New Bedford homicide suspect pleads not guilty

FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) -- A New Bedford man accused of beating another man to death, stealing the victim's car and fleeing to Connecticut has been ordered held without bail.

Thomas Gardner pleaded not guilty Monday to charges including murder in connection with the November death of 36-year-old Michael Duarte.

Prosecutors say Duarte met Gardner at a city home for sale he was interested in buying. The Standard-Times reports that the house, which was owned by Gardner's ex-wife, had been foreclosed on.

Prosecutors think robbery was the motive for the slaying because Duarte had several hundred dollars in his possession that was missing when his body was found in the home several days later.

Gardner was arrested in Westport, Conn. after a police chase that reached speeds of 100 miles per hour.