BENTONVILLE — The murder trial for accused child killer Zachary Holly has been postponed after one of his defense attorneys voiced concerns about his co-counsel's preparations for the case. The co-counsel told the judge that drinking had led to depression, and that he was prepared to seek help.
Circuit Judge Brad Karren removed Pat Aydelott from the case.
Kent McLemore and Aydelott were appointed to represent Holly.
Aydelott was handling the guilty and innocent phase while McLemore was handling the sentencing portion of the proceedings.
McLemore told Karren that they are "simply not prepared for the guilt phase of the trial."
Jury selection was scheduled to begin Monday morning.
Holly, 29, of Bentonville is charged with capital murder, rape, kidnapping and residential burglary in connection with 6-year-old Jersey Bridgeman’s Nov. 20, 2012, death.
Prosecutors will seek the death penalty.
Karren wanted to hear from Aydelott.
Aydelott told the judge that it was a very painful moment for him. Aydelott said he moved to the area 2 years ago and had family support, but his family moved away.
Aydelott said he also had surgery and lost about 52 pounds and then he began drinking which led to depression.
Aydelott said he needs help and is prepared to get help.
McLemore remains on the case.
The Arkansas Public Defenders Commission will appoint another attorney to Holly's case.
Holly and prosecutors were also in the judge's chambers during the hearing.
Nathan Smith, Benton County's prosecutor-elect, said the victim's family are frustrated and disappointed, but Smith feared that if the trial went forward that Holly's conviction would be reversed by a higher court.
Holly lived next to Jersey’s family on Southwest A Street. He and his wife sometimes babysat Jersey and her younger sister, according to court documents. A medical examiner determined Jersey died from asphyxia, according to court documents.
Jersey’s body was found in an abandoned house next to Holly ’s home on Southwest A Street.
Holly is being held in the Benton County Jail without bond.