Authorities: Man said he was ordered to kill woman in meth dispute

Staff Photo Spencer Tirey A Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputy walks near the front of 579 Story Lane near Tontitown where a person was stabbed and killed Wednesday. Deputies place crime tape across Story Lane Road blocking traffic and across the front of the house.

Staff Photo Spencer Tirey A Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputy walks near the front of 579 Story Lane near Tontitown where a person was stabbed and killed Wednesday. Deputies place crime tape across Story Lane Road blocking traffic and across the front of the house.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

The man accused of fatally stabbing a Springdale woman Wednesday morning told investigators he was ordered to kill her by two other men over stolen methamphetamine, a report released Thursday shows.

Brock Atkins, 19, of 579 Story Lane in west Springdale was arrested Wednesday on a capital murder charge in connection with the death of Leann Frazier, 32. He was being held in the Washington County Detention Center without bond.

Atkins' arraignment is scheduled for June 23 in Washington County Circuit Court. If convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison or the death penalty.

Washington County Sheriff deputies responded to Story Lane early Wednesday morning. Atkins was arrested shortly after, according to a preliminary report from the sheriff's office.

Atkins told investigators Frazier and two other men showed up at his house arond 4 a.m. that morning, the report says. Frazier accused Atkins of stealing methamphetamine from her, Frazier said.

Atkins repeatedly denied knowing what she was talking about, according to the report. Then one of the men pointed a handgun at Atkins' head and said if Atkins was telling the truth, Frazier was lying. The man said he would kill Atkins and his family if Atkins didn't kill Frazier.

The man handed Atkins a "Gerber-brand knife," according to the report. Gerber Gear sells several varieties of tactical and military-style blades, according to its website.

Frazier tried to run, Atkins told investigators, but he pursued. He cut her across the face and threw a chunk of wood at her chest, the report says, before tackling her and stabbing her in the throat "until she stopped making any noises."

Detectives found Frazier's body, the handgun and the knife after obtaining a search warrant of the residence. Other evidence recovered fit Atkins' testimony, according to the report. Frazier's body was sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab.

A sheriff spokeswoman said deputies weren't actively seeking other suspects.

"Not at this time," Kelly Cantrell, the spokeswoman, said Thursday afternoon. "But the investigation is ongoing and we'll just have to go where the evidence leads us."