BENTONVILLE — John Guerra may soon be in a Benton County courtroom to face charges in connection with a Springdale murder case.
Guerra, 55, of Duson, La., is charged with capital murder and aggravated robbery in connection with Edward Abel’s death. Guerra was in a Norfolk, Va., court Friday where a judge denied the writ Guerra filed to keep from being sent back to Arkansas. Benton County prosecutors filed a governor’s warrant asking Guerra be returned to Arkansas.
Van Stone, Benton County prosecuting attorney, said officials are waiting to see when Guerra can be picked up.
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.
Abel 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. 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.
James Michael Smith, 48, of Springdale waived extradition in connection with the case and is back in Arkansas.
Smith is charged with capital murder, aggravated robbery and aggravated residential burglary. He previously pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Smith’s girlfriend, Pamela Jerrold, 48, of Springdale, also was arrested in Virginia. She is charged with theft by receiving, a Class B felony, in connection with receiving property stolen from Abel, including coins made of precious metal, according to court documents. She pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Jerrold is being held in the Benton County Jail on $150,000 bond, while Smith is being held without bond.