Innocent plea given in slaying of woman

Shop owner tied, robbed, police say

A Rogers man pleaded innocent Friday to a capital murder and other charges in connection with the July 2 death of Adah Lorraine Carte, 75, who owned the Ozark Emporium, an antiques and gift shop in Bear Creek Springs, 5 miles northwest of Harrison.

Donald Clay Biles, 61, entered the innocent plea in Boone County Circuit Court via video from the county jail, where he has been held since July 5 without bail.

Biles told police he robbed the shop July 2 but didn't intend to kill Carte, according to an affidavit filed in Boone County Circuit Court. Police believe Biles killed Carte intentionally, according to the court document.

A video surveillance camera in the business showed a man subduing Carte at gunpoint, tying her hands and feet, and leaving her on the floor. The robber then took many items from the store to a vehicle in the parking lot, where another security camera was located.

"Before leaving, the robber returned to the victim and placed a ligature around her neck," according to the affidavit. "The video recorded him tying it around her neck. He covered her face with an article of clothing from the store."

Biles took an estimated $300,000 worth of jewelry and other items from the store, according to the court document.

Police found Carte's body July 3, and Biles was arrested the next day. Police say he initially used an alias and presented fake identification.

Biles told police he was hired by Rudy Salsberry of Boone County to commit the robbery, saying he was offered $150,000 to rob the store and leave the owner tied.

Boone County Sheriff Mike Mooresaid his officers interviewed Salsberry, who denied Biles' claim.

Salsberry isn't a suspect in the crime at this time, Moore said.

"We have no reason to believe he was involved at this point," he said.

Biles was charged Monday with capital murder, aggravated robbery and identity fraud. If found guilty of capital murder, Biles could face the death penalty.

Biles previously has been convicted of four or more felonies, including a previous conviction for aggravated robbery, according to the affidavit.

Biles' next court date will be Sept. 5, which will be a hearing on the status of discovery in the case, said Wes Bradford, deputy prosecuting attorney for Arkansas' 14th Judicial Circuit, which includes Boone County.

NW News on 07/12/2014

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