Suspect in deadly Bloomfield Township beating pleads not-guilty

Bart Spencer charged with open murder in William Whitelaw's death

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The suspect charged in the beating death of an elderly man inside his Bloomfield Township home was arraigned Wednesday on charges, including open murder.

William Whitelaw's body was found Sept. 4 at the Knollwood Pointe Condos. Police said there were no signs of forced entry to Whitelaw's home, but the gas had been turned on and candles were lit.

Bart Spencer, 45, is charged with open murder, arson, larceny of firearms, larceny in a building and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Spencer pleaded not-guilty at his arraignment. He was denied bond. He's also being held by federal authorities for a parole violation.