BENTONVILLE — The court proceedings were suspended Monday for a Rogers man charged with killing one of his friends.
Clifford Dale Casteel, 33, is charged with murder in the second degree, a class A felony, which is punishable with a prison sentence ranging from six to 30 years. Timothy Sylvester Howell, 26, is charged with hindering apprehension or prosecution, a class B felony.
Casteel is accused of causing Billy Ray Buckley’s death by hitting and kicking him in the head and torso.
Casteel’s attorney Abigail Keaton requested a mental evaluation for her client. Circuit Judge David Clinger granted the request and ordered that the proceedings be suspended pending the evaluation.
A status hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Jan. 14.
Casteel and Howell were arrested Aug. 28.
Buckley’s daughter, Tara Thurman, and his girlfriend, Cheri Banning, reported that Buckley, who is from Sapulpa, Okla., had been missing for more than a week on Aug. 20, according to court documents.
Buckley was last seen Aug. 8 at Casteel’s residence. Police began looking for Casteel to question him, according to court documents.
Buckley’s body was found Aug. 28 in an area off Necessary Road, according to police.
Casteel told police he didn’t intend to kill Buckley and only hit and kicked him after Buckley struck him. The two fought at Casteel’s home at 1524 S. Fourth St., according to court documents.
Casteel claims he then borrowed a car and, with Howell’s assistance, took Buckley’s body to the Necessary Road site and dumped the body.
Casteel and Howell have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Howell was released from the Benton County Jail after posting $75,000 bond. Casteel is being held in jail in lieu of $150,000 bond.
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