Derek Taylor HoltEPHRATA, Pa. (WHTM) -
A man jailed for beating three elderly Mennonite sisters in a violent home invasion in Lancaster County is headed to trial for the crimes.
Derek Taylor Holt, 22, of no fixed address, waived all 23 counts against him to court during a preliminary hearing Tuesday before District Judge Tony Russell, who scheduled a formal arraignment for March 27.
Holt was then returned to the Lancaster County Prison, where he was been held on $1 million bail since his arrest on charges including robbery, burglary and aggravated assault.
Police previously reported that Holt was dressed in a suit
and tie and claimed to be an insurance salesman when he went to the women's home in Clay Township the morning of December 14.
He then attacked the women with his fists and a stun gun and bound their hands and feet with
duct tape, according to police.
The women, ages 84-90, were restrained for about four
hours while Holt ransacked the home, damaged Bibles, and poured household
chemicals on the floor and furniture, police said.
At one point, he told the victims he is a former Mennonite and has anger toward the
community since leaving the faith, according to charging documents.
One of the women suffered a
brain injury and a fractured left shoulder in the assault. Another had
severe bruising to her body and face, and the third had severe bruising
and suffered a heart attack as a result of the attack.
