Proceedings Suspended In Benton County Murder Case

BENTONVILLE -- Proceedings have been suspended for two men accused of killing a Springdale man last year.

John Armando Guerra, 55, of Duson, La., and James Michael Smith, 48, of Springdale each are charged with capital murder and aggravated robbery in connection with the death of 62-year-old Edward Abel.

Smith was scheduled to appear in court Thursday, but his mental status hearing was reset to Sept. 24. Smith's defense asked for a mental evaluation for him in March.

Guerra appeared in court Wednesday where his attorneys requested a mental evaluation for him. Circuit Judge Brad Karren granted the request. A status hearing for Guerra is set for Dec. 11.

Abel was stabbed to death Aug. 16, 2013. He lived in the portion of Springdale that is in Benton County.

Springdale police were called at 11:15 p.m. Aug. 16 to Abel's home on East Brown Road. A woman reported Abel left a message on her voice mail, according to court documents.

The woman could hear Abel pleading with people who demanded to know where he kept a safe. Abel also could be heard telling someone to take his wallet because that was all he had, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Three people have been arrested in connection with a safe taken from Abel's porch in 2012. The safe that contained gold and silver coins. Pamela Jerrold, 48, of Springdale, John Adams, 32, of Springdale, and Sydney Adams, 31, of Duncan, Okla., have been arrested on theft-related charges involving the stolen coins.

NW News on 08/15/2014

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