BENTONVILLE — A Bentonville man accused of kidnapping, raping and killing a 6-year-old girl in November will be sent to Little Rock for a mental evaluation.
Zachary Holly, 28, previously pleaded not guilty to all charges in connection with the death of Jersey Bridgeman. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty. Holly is being held without bond in the Benton County Jail.
At A Glance
What Holly Faces
Zachary Holly could be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty if convicted of capital murder. He faces 10 to 40 years or life imprisonment if convicted of kidnapping. He faces 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 Class Y felonies. Holly also faces a residential burglary charge, a Class B felony punishable with a prison sentence ranging from five to 20 years.
Source: Staff Report
Holly appeared in court Tuesday morning where Circuit Judge Brad Karren granted a motion from Holly’s attorney for him to undergo a mental evaluation at Arkansas State Hospital.
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 intelligence quotient testing for Holly. Karren also ruled results of the evaluation will be sealed.
Karren also granted a defense motion for Holly to appear at all hearings in civilian clothing and without restraints. Holly will not be in jail restraints in court, but will wear a stun belt under his clothing. A stun belt is a restraining device put around a prisoner’s waist. An electronic charge can be sent to the belt to subdue a prisoner if needed.
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 baby-sat 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 is scheduled to be back in court at 9 a.m. Thursday before Circuit Judge Tom Smith for a hearing on a request from Holly’s wife for an order of protection. She sought the order after receiving numerous telephone calls from her jailed husband.