BENTONVILLE - John Armando Guerra was sentenced to life in prison without parole after admitting to killing a Springdale man.
Guerra, 57, of Duson, La. pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated robbery for the murder of Edward Abel. The plea was reached under an agreement by Guerra’s attorneys Joel Huggins and Jay Saxton with Nathan Smith, Benton County’s prosecuting attorney.
Edward Abel, 62, was pronounced dead Aug. 16, 2013, at Northwest Medical Center-Springdale.
Smith told the judge that Guerra broke into Abel’s home, the two struggled, and Abel was stabbed to death.
Guerra told the judge that he understood that he Guerra was waiving his rights to jury trial and appeal. Guerra said he had not been coerced into taking the plea agreement.
Springdale police were called at 11:15 p.m. Aug. 13, 2013 to Abel's home on East Brown Road. He lived in the portion of Springdale in Benton County.
A woman reported Abel left a message on her voice mail, according to court documents. The woman could hear Abel pleading with people who demanded to know where he kept his safe. Abel also could be heard telling someone to take his wallet because that was all he had, according to court documents. Police found Abel on his kitchen floor.
Circuit Judge Brad Karren accepted the plea agreement and Guerra’s guilty pleas.
Guerra was sentenced to life in prison without the benefit of parole for the capital murder. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison for aggravated robbery.
Guerra must pay $1,620 in court associated costs.
He received 512 days of credit for the time he spent in custody awaiting his trial.
James Smith, 49, of Springdale is also charged with capital murder and aggravated robbery. He previously pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Drew Ledbetter, one of Smith’s attorneys, told the judge that the defense has had negotiations with prosecutors about a potential plea.
A pre-trial hearing for Smith is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. July 27.
Smith will remain in the Benton County Jail where he is being held without bond while Guerra will be held in the jail until he is transferred to prison.
Pamela Jerrolds of Springdale, John Adams of Springdale, and Sydney Adams of Duncan, Okla., have pleaded guilty to theft-related charges in connection with the theft of gold and silver coins from Abel. They each were placed on probation and ordered to pay $13,000 in restitution. The three weren't arrested in connection with Abel's murder.
Court documents claim a plot to steal gold and silver coins from Abel played a role in the crime.
A man told police James Smith asked him to assist with a robbery where someone would hold an "old man" while someone else searched for a safe that contained gold and silver, according to court documents. The man refused to participate in the crime.