BENTONVILLE — Details concerning the death of Edward Abel of Springdale will remain a mystery because affidavits in the case will remain under court seal.
James Michael Smith, 48, one of the men accused of killing Abel, appeared in Benton County Circuit Court Friday morning for a bond hearing. Smith and John Guerra, 55, were arrested Aug. 23 in connection with Abel’s death.
A woman — Pamela Ann Blaylock — was also arrested in Virginia, along with the men.
Benton County Sheriff’s Office deputies brought Smith and Blaylock back to Arkansas from Norfolk, Va., where they were arrested. Guerra refused to waive extradition. Stone said Gov. Mike Beebe has signed the warrant for Guerra, and the paperwork is on the way to Virginia’s governor.
Abel, 62, was stabbed to death, according to court documents. He was pronounced dead at Northwest Medical Center-Springdale.
Abel lived in the portion of Springdale in Benton County. He 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.
Circuit Judge Brad Karren, during a hearing Friday, ordered Smith be held without bond in connection with charges of capital murder, aggravated robbery, residential burglary and theft by receiving.
Smith, who is unemployed, said he had worked constructions jobs in the past.
Karren appointed Madison Aydelott III to represent Smith.
Van Stone, prosecutor, requested the affidavit’s pertaining to Smith’s arrest remain under seal. Karren agreed.
Stone said Springdale police had uncovered evidence that will lead to additional arrests, but the arrests don't pertain to Abel’s death.
Stone also said Guerra’s attorney will have a chance to review the information before it's released.
Stone said he expect the documents to be released.
Blaylock was arrested in connection with theft of property and theft by receiving, both Class B felonies.
Karren appointed Sergio Barron, public defender, to represent Blaylock.
Blaylock, who is unemployed, told Karren she worked seven months at a Bentonville dry cleaners and lived mostly in Benton and Washington counties since 1976. Blaylock said she has two daughters and grandchildren who live in Springdale.
Stone requested Smith’s bond be set at $150,000. He told the judge Blaylock’s connection to Smith is troubling, and she fled the area with him.
Stone said Blaylock’s theft charges are connected with a past incident from Abel.
“It’s a previous theft which provided the impetus for the capital murder, home invasion and robbery of Mr. Abel in August of this year,” Stone said.
Karren wanted to know whether police recovered any gold coins.
Stone said Abel had given gold coins to some people for safekeeping and they were recovered.
Blaylock’s bond was set at $150,000.
Stone also requested documents concerning Blaylock’s arrest remain sealed. Karren granted the request.
Karren denied a request from Northwest Arkansas Newspapers to reconsider his rulings about sealing the documents.
Smith and Blaylock are scheduled to appear at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 14 in Karren’s court for arraignment.