Massachusetts man accused of killing parents sent for mental health evaluation

MIDDLEBOROUGH, Mass. (WCVB) -- A 21-year-old man accused of murdering his parents in the family's Middleborough home appeared in court Friday.

Ryan True was charged with two counts of murder after authorities discovered the bodies of his parents inside their Highland Street home Thursday morning. Police responded to 3 Highland St. to check on the victims, who did not show up for work. Upon entering the home, officers found the victims dead.

Prosecutors said Ryan True, who has autism, told police he stabbed his father and mother with a pocket knife after an altercation Wednesday night.

True pleaded not guilty to the charges and was held without bail. True was sent to Bridgewater State Hospital for further evaluation. He will return to court Jan. 4.

The Boston Globe reports police and firefighters encountered a “brutal and very bloody scene” at the house. Prosecutors said the body of David True, 52, was discovered under a comforter in an office on the first floor, and the body of Renee True, 55, was found under a comforter on the floor of an upstairs bedroom.