Defense attorneys for the accused killer of a 6-year-old girl are seeking a mental evaluation for their client.
Zachary Holly, 28, is charged with capital murder, rape and kidnapping, all Class Y felonies. He is also charged 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 are seeking the death penalty.
Holly’s attorneys Madison Aydelott III and Kent McLemore filed a motion last week seeking a mental evaluation for Holly. The motion claims that there is reason to believe that Holly is not fit to proceed to trial and there is a reason to believe that Holly has a mental disease or defect that will become an issue in the case.
Holly’s next court appearance is set for 8:30 a.m. Feb. 28.
Police found Jersey Bridgeman’s body in an empty house next door to Holly’s home. A medical examiner determined she died from asphyxia, according to court records.
Holly is being held without bond in the Benton County Jail.