Atkins Pleads Not Guilty In Murder Of Woman In Tontitown

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

FAYETTEVILLE -- A Tontitown man pleaded not guilty Monday to capital murder in the stabbing death of Leann Frazier on May 21.

Brock Atkins, 19, was arrested shortly after Frazier's death. He told investigators Frazier arrived at his house with two other men the morning of her death, according to an arrest report. She accused him of stealing methamphetamine, Atkins said, and he denied the accusation.

One of the men threatened to kill Atkins and his family if Atkins didn't kill Frazier, Atkins told investigators. Detectives believe it was Lewis Hedges Jr., 34, who brandished a handgun and ordered Atkins to kill Frazier. Hedges suspected Frazier of being a "snitch" to the police, according to Atkins.

Atkins told police Frazier fled, but he pursued, scratching her face and throwing a chunk of wood at her. He said he tackled her and stabbed her in the throat "until she stopped making any noises," according to the report.

Other evidence recovered at the scene matched Atkins' story, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Atkins was given an Aug. 28 trial date and is being held in the Washington County jail without bond.

Hedges earlier pleaded not guilty to being an accomplice to capital murder and was given an Aug. 14 trial date. He also is being held at the Washington County Jail without bond.

Hedges, of Springdale, fled the area after Frazier's death. He was found in Texas and extradited to Northwest Arkansas.

If convicted, Atkins and Hedges face either life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Matt Durrett said he has not decided whether to seek the death penalty against Atkins or Hedges.

NW News on 06/24/2014