ONEIDA CO. -- The man accused of stabbing his girlfriend's young daughter to death was arraigned in Oneida County Court this morning.
30-year-old David Trebilcock, of Primo Avenue, is charged in the death of six-year-old Lauren Belius. He's accused of stabbing the little girl with a large kitchen knife in her bedroom on July 19 while her twin sister slept nearby and mother was down the hall.
In court this morning, Trebilcock stood quietly with his head down and often had his eyes closed. He was cuffed and shackled for the proceedings. When asked if he understood the charges, he said "I think so."
We learned in court that the district attorney's office has offered a plea deal in the case, but details of that plea agreement were not disclosed.
According to his attorney, Trebilcock has previously said "Jesus made him do it." There are questions about his mental stability. Trebilcock was later evaluated and found competent to stand trial. His attorney at the time said that does not rule out the possibility of an insanity defense.
The girl's mother, Alison Belius, reportedly had to force her way through a barricaded bedroom door to try to save her daughters, and injured Trebilcock by stabbing him in the back. Investigators say Trebilcock then slit his own wrists.
Trebilcock is charged with murder and assault. If convicted, he could get up to 25 years to life in prison.
This case is due back in court on October 13.
Meanwhile, the Oneida County community will come together to pay tribute to Lauren's life and show support for her family at a benefit tomorrow.
It will be held at The Electric Company at 700 Varick St in Utica from noon to 6 p.m. Organizers are asking for a $10 donation.
