The criminal proceedings were suspended today for a Bentonville man charged with kidnapping, raping and killing a 6-year-old girl.
Zachary Holly, 28, of Bentonville is charged in connection with capital murder, rape and kidnapping, all Class Y felonies. He also is charged in connection with residential burglary, a Class B felony.
He previously pleaded not guilty to all of the charges in connection with the death of 6-year-old Jersey Bridgeman. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty.
Holly appeared in court this morning where Circuit Judge Brad Karren granted a motion from Holly’s attorney for him to undergo a mental evaluation. Holly will be sent to the Arkansas State Hospital in Little Rock for the evaluation.
The evaluation will determine whether Holly is fit to stand trial and whether he understood right from wrong at the time of the crime. The evaluation will also include IQ testing for Holly.
The judge also granted a defense motion for Holly to appear at all future hearings in civilian clothing and without restraints. Holly will not be in jail restraints in court, but will be wearing a stun belt under his clothing.
Jersey’s body was found in an empty house next door to Holly’s home Nov. 20. A medical examiner determined she died from asphyxia, according to court records.
DesaRae Bridgeman told police her daughter was with the Holly and his wife while she was at work, according to court documents. Holly and his wife often babysat Jersey and her younger sister when Bridgeman and her boyfriend worked.
Holly carried Jersey while Bridgeman carried her other daughter home after work, Bridgeman told police. They placed the girls in the same bed, according to the affidavit. Bridgeman discovered Jersey missing when she woke shortly after 6:30 a.m.
Police officer found Jersey’s body in the abandoned house a short time later.
Holly could be sentenced to life imprisonment without the benefit of parole or the death penalty if he is convicted of capital murder. He faces from 10 to 40 years or life imprisonment if convicted of kidnapping.
He faces from 10 to 40 years of life in prison if convicted of rape. A rape conviction normally carries a sentence ranging from 10 to 40 years in prison or life, however, a conviction of raping a child 13 or younger carries a minimum sentence of 25 years.
Capital murder, kidnapping and rape are classified as Class Y felonies.
Residential burglary, a Class B felony, is punishable with a prison sentence ranging from five to 20 years.
Holly is being held without bond in the Benton County Jail.