Circuit Judge Orders Man To Undergo Mental Evaluation

— A jury trial for a man accused of shooting his cousin was delayed so he can undergo an evaluation at the State Hospital in Little Rock.

Royce Webb, 55, is charged with battery in the first degree, a Class B felony punishable with a prison sentence ranging from five to 20 years. He previously pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Webb is accused of shooting Mitchell Webb with a shotgun. Mitchell Webb was treated for his wound and released from Northwest Medical Center-Bentonville, according to court documents.

Royce Webb’s jury trial was to begin this morning, but Circuit Judge Robin Green vacated the trial date and ordered Webb to undergo a mental evaluation at the State Hospital.

Royce Webb had an earlier evaluation and was found fit to stand trial. Attorneys now want a more detailed evaluation.

Mitchell Webb was working on a bulldozer on a dirt road on Aug. 30, 2011, when he was shot, according to court documents. Royce Webb barricaded himself in his home at 14425 W. Arkansas 102 after the shooting and later surrendered to Benton County Sheriff’s deputies, according to court documents.

His then-girlfriend Effie Byers was in the home when Royce Webb barricaded himself inside, according to court documents.

Royce Webb’s attorney Paul Waddell, previously filed a motion to suppress or exclude any statements Byers gave to Sheriff’s Office deputies because she and Royce Webb married July 6, 2012. A judge later denied Waddell’s motion.

Royce Webb was released from the Benton County Jail after posting a $50,000 bond. He was ordered not to have any contact with his cousin.

A pretrial hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. April 5.

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