A Springdale man will be held without bond in connection with the murder of 62-year-old Edward Abel.
Circuit Judge Brad Karren ordered James Michael Smith held in connection with capital murder, aggravated robbery, residential burglary and theft by receiving. Smith appeared in court Friday morning for a bond hearing.
Abel was stabbed to death, according to court documents. Abel was taken to Northwest Medical Center-Springdale where he was pronounced dead. Abel lived in the portion of Springdale in Benton County.
Abel was found unresponsive in his home following a 911 call at 11:15 p.m. Aug. 16, according to a news release from Springdale police.
Abel called a woman, but the call went to voice mail, according to police records. When the woman listened to the message she heard a dog barking and heard Abel say, “Just take my wallet.” The woman then called 911.
Smith and Guerra were arrested Aug. 23 in Virginia in connection with Abel's death. Pamela Blaylock, who was arrested with Smith and Guerra, had her bond set at $150,000. She is accused of theft of property and theft by receiving.
Smith waived extradition and Benton County sheriff's deputies traveled to Norfolk, Va. and brought Smith back to Arkansas. Smith was booked into the Benton Coounty Jail on Thursday afternoon.
Guerra has refused to waive extradition and he remains in Virginia. Prosecutors are obtaining a governor's warrant so Guerra can be brought to Arkansas to face charges.
Correction: Due to an editing error, a previous version misstated the status of criminal proceedings against Smith and Blaylock. Formal charges have not yet been filed. The error has been corrected.