4:25 p.m. update
William Staten, 51, and Margette Staten, 61, were found guilty this afternoon of misdemeanor negligent homicide in the death of their great-grandson, Joniah Chronister, 2.
Springdale District Judge Ernest Cate sentenced them to 1 year in jail and court costs. They have until Dec. 11 to appeal.
The trial of a Springdale couple in the heat-related death of their great-grandson will continue into the afternoon.
William Staten, 51, and Margette Staten, 61, are on trial at Springdale District Court for misdemeanor negligent homicide in the death of Joniah Chronister, 2. Prosecutors say the child died after he was left inside a car parked at the Springdale Walmart in 102 degree weather on Aug. 3.
Witnesses said Margette Staten told them the child fell asleep so they left him in the car. One witness said Margette changed her story when talking to police, saying they forgot the boy because he was asleep.
Doctors said the boy was dead on arrival at Northwest Medical Center, although they tried to revive him. The autopsy at the state medical examiner showed Joniah died of environmental hyperthermia.
The trial is expected to conclude today.