BENTONVILLE — A Bentonville man pleaded not guilty to charges accusing him of kidnapping and killing his wife.
Perry Dennis Davis Jr. is charged with kidnapping and capital murder, both Class Y felonies. He entered the pleas Monday during an arraignment before Circuit Judge Robin Green. Davis is being held without bond in the Benton County Jail.
Davis, 49, is accused of killing his 44-year-old wife, Kelly. Police believe Davis shot himself after shooting his wife. Police were called to the couple’s home at 804 S.W. Ouachita Drive in Bentonville at 5:21 p.m. Aug. 19 in connection with a domestic disturbance.
The arraignment was in Green’s court, but the case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Jon Comstock. Rogers District Judge Brad Karren will preside over the case since he will replace Comstock on the bench in January.
Fayetteville attorney Ray Niblock represented Davis at the arraignment, but the case could be assigned to the Benton County Public Defender’s Office. Chief Public Defender Jay Saxton also stood with Davis during the arraignment.
Niblock said he will continue to represent Davis, and is trying to determine if Davis has any assets that can pay for his defense. Benton County Prosecutor Van Stone told Green the assets are related to a 401(k) retirement account that belongs to Davis.
Green declined to rule on whether search warrants in connection should remain sealed. An NWA Media reporter requested the release of the documents. Green felt the issue should be resolved in Karren’s court.
At A Glance
The Charges
Perry Dennis Davis Jr. faces life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted of capital murder. Kidnapping is punishable with a prison sentence ranging from 10 to 40 years or life imprisonment.
Source: Staff Report
Kelly Davis’ body was found in the home after police entered almost five hours after an initial 911 call from her. Police entered after Perry Davis called 911, claiming he’d been shot and needed assistance. Police aren’t releasing the 911 calls in connection with the incident.
Police found Perry Davis on the master bedroom floor with a gunshot wound to his face, according to court documents. Kelly Davis was found dead on the master bedroom floor. An autopsy later found she suffered two gunshot wounds in the left arm and abdomen, according to court documents.
Perry Davis was hospitalized for several weeks because of the gunshot to his head. Court documents state he has a prefrontal lobe injury from the wound, is now blind and has retrograde amnesia.
The next hearing in the case will be in Karren’s court Jan. 28.