Walter Murder Trial Delayed

ROGERS WOMAN ACCUSED OF KILLING HER HUSBAND IN 2008

— The trial for a Rogers woman accused of killing her husband will not be held until next year.

Myrtle Walter, 77, is charged with capital murder in connection with the death of Paul Walter.

Jury selection was scheduled to begin Tuesday, but the case was delayed by Circuit Judge David Clinger.

Benton County Prosecuting Attorney Van Stone said the reason for the delay was because Dr. Frank Peretti, medical examiner, was not available to testify.

Jury selection is now scheduled to begin April 26.

Walter was arrested Oct. 4, 2008. She told police she shot and killed her 74-year-old husband while he slept in the bedroom of their residence at 1105 S. 12th St., according to court documents. Police found a .357-caliber revolver.

Myrtle Walter said she could no longer take being mentally abused by her husband, according to the probable cause affidavit.

W.H. Taylor, Walter’s attorney, previously said his client was raped by her husband.

Walter also made the allegation of rape during a mental evaluation.

The mental evaluation found Walter was fit to stand trial.

She previously pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Walter could be sentenced from 10 to 40 years or life imprisonment if convicted of capital murder.

She is free on $250,000 bond.

Upcoming Events