FAYETTEVILLE -- Two capital murder trials were set for Monday in Washington County Circuit Court. Neither will happen because both men were recently appointed new lawyers, according to prosecutors.
Scott Aaron Rocha and Brock Atkins were both represented by Pat Aydelott III, through the Arkansas Public Defender's Commission. Aydelott was relieved of the capital cases he was handling after disclosing in early November he had a drinking problem affecting his ability to defend his clients.
The body of Frances Idell Rocha, 65, was found in the garage at 3547 Loblolly Place early March 8, according to the preliminary arrest report. Both Rochas lived at the residence.
Springdale police say Rocha, 31, shot his mother to death, tried to clean blood out of the house and then went on a beer run.
Atkins, 19, of Tontitown is charged with capital murder in the stabbing death of Leann Frazier. Frazier was killed in the early morning hours of May 21 at Atkins' home.
Atkins was arrested shortly after Frazier's death. He told police he killed Frazier after being threatened at gunpoint by another man who suspected Frazier of being a snitch.
Atkins told police Frazier fled, but he tackled her and stabbed her in the throat "until she stopped making any noises."
If convicted of capital murder, Rocha and Atkins face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.
Both men will be given new trial dates Monday, and the case will be assigned to a new judge.
NW News on 12/13/2014