Conklin Pleads Not Guilty In Grandmother's Killing

BENTONVILLE -- Prosecutors have not decided whether to seek the death penalty for a Bentonville man accused of killing his grandmother.

Michael Eugene Conklin, 26, is charged with capital murder and aggravated robbery in connection with the death of Nelma Darline Conklin. He's being held without bond in the Benton County Jail.

"We have not made a decision about the death penalty," Nathan Smith, deputy prosecutor, said Monday.

Conklin appeared in court Monday and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Scott McElveen, deputy public defender, told Circuit Judge Robin Green that Conklin was advised of the charges against him and the possible punishments. McElveen also said Conklin was aware of his Constitutional rights.

Conklin is accused of acting with "premeditation and deliberation" in causing his 76-year-old grandmother's death, according to court documents. Stab wounds to the neck were the cause of death, according to court documents.

Police went to Nelma Conklin's home for a welfare check July 20. She hadn't been to work at the Walmart Supercenter on Pleasant Grove Road in Rogers since July 14. A co-worker had been unable to contact her and called police, according to court documents.

Police found her dead in the garage of her home at 3300 S.W. Elm Manor Ave. on July 20, according to a probable cause affidavit. Her body was concealed by trash bags and pieces of cardboard, according to the affidavit.

Michael Conklin lived with his grandmother. Police couldn't locate him after finding her body. He was arrested several days later in Saline County.

Police interviewed Nelma Conklin's family and co-workers and learned she and her grandson hadn't been getting along.

Michael Conklin could be sentenced to life imprisonment or the death penalty if he is convicted of capital murder.

He faces from 10 to 40 years or life imprisonment if he is convicted of aggravated robbery.

His next court appearance is set for Oct. 6.

NW News on 08/12/2014

Upcoming Events