The two suspects in the kidnapping and murder of a real estate agent made initial appearances in Pulaski County Circuit Court on Wednesday.
Innocent pleas were entered for both 33-year-old Arron Lewis and his estranged wife, 41-year-old Crystal Lowery. Each faces charges of capital murder and kidnapping in the killing of Realtor Beverly Carter, whose body was found in a shallow grave in northern Pulaski County days after she disappeared after going to show a home in Scott.
Authorities have said Lewis admitted kidnapping Carter, but wouldn't tell investigators where she was. Her body was later found buried behind a concrete business where Lewis used to work.
Lowery was arrested on Oct. 30. Case files remain sealed, and authorities have released little information about their investigation.
Lewis didn't speak to Circuit Judge Herb Wright during his brief appearance in court. His attorney entered the innocent plea and relayed a request from Lewis that he be allowed to write letters to Lowery from prison, where he was moved after his parole was revoked. Wright said he hadn't entered any orders that would prohibit him from doing so.
Lewis' attorney also officially requested a mental evaluation for Lewis, though he noted Lewis objected to having one done.
Lewis' hands and legs were shackled and he was escorted to and from court by several deputies. Two stood by his side during the hearing, holding each of his arms.
Lewis spoke only briefly as he was led out of the courtroom, though he did say he wanted to write to Lowery because he "can't talk to her." He went on to advise media members to instead write questions to him in letters to prison.
Lewis as he was being led out of questioning after his initial arrest told reporters he didn't kill Carter, suggested there was another "codefendant" involved and described Carter as a "rich broker." On Wednesday, he suggested he was tiring of answering questions while being escorted to or from court.
"This is kind of getting ridiculous," he said, several cameras surrounding him.
Lowery didn't answer questions as she was escorted to and from the courtroom.
See Thursday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for more on this story.