Prosecutors: Friends Killed Rhode Island Man for Insurance Settlement

Two Fall River men accused of killing and robbing their friend have been ordered held without bail.

Charles Mendez and Tacoma Massie pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges Monday at their arraignment in Fall River District Court.

Prosecutors say Edward Platts had recently received thousands of dollars as part of an insurance settlement and showed off the money to the defendants. Prosecutors allege Mendez and Massie killed Platts of Middletown, R.I. in his car on Nov. 18 and stole the money and his dog.

Police said physical evidence tied both men to Platts.

Massie’s lawyer asked for bail to be set at $50,000.

Mendez’s lawyer said there was no probable cause for police to pull over his client the night of the slaying.