Suspect in Bloomfield Township fatal beating bound over for trial

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The suspect charged with open murder in the beating death of an elderly man inside his Bloomfield Township home has been bound over for trial.

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 and was bound over for trial during a hearing on Tuesday. He's also being held by federal authorities for a parole violation.

William Whitelaw