FAYETTEVILLE — The capital murder trial of Eric Thomas Frankenhauser has been reset to Dec. 2 to allow the defense more time for a second mental examination.
Frankenhauser, 41, is charged in connection with capital murder in the August death of Jessica Stewart, a 39-year-old Fayetteville woman. He also is charged in connection with first-degree battery.
If convicted, Frankenhauser faces life in prison without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty. Washington County Prosecuting Attorney John Threet has not decided whether to seek the death penalty.
Police said a neighbor found Stewart lying in the yard of 2228 W. Wedington Drive with a gunshot wound to the head. She died the next day at Washington Regional Medical Center.
A mental examination at the Arkansas State Hospital in March found Frankenhauser competent to stand trial. A forensic psychologist hired by the defense is expected to examine Frankenhauser on June 28.
Frankenhauser is being held without bond at the Washington County Detention Center.