Defense begins attempt to avoid death sentence for Holly

Zachary Holly is escorted into the Benton County Courthouse in Bentonville on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, for his trial in the murder of 6-year-old Jersey Bridgeman.
Zachary Holly is escorted into the Benton County Courthouse in Bentonville on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, for his trial in the murder of 6-year-old Jersey Bridgeman.

BENTONVILLE — Defense attorneys began presenting their case Thursday in an effort to convince jurors to spare Zachary Holly from a death sentence.

Holly, 30, of Bentonville was found guilty Wednesday of capital murder, kidnapping, rape and residential burglary for the 2012 abduction and killing of 6-year-old Jersey Bridgeman.

Nathan Smith, Benton County’s prosecuting attorney, asked jurors in his opening statements for the sentencing phase to impose the death penalty.

Jersey’s mother and grandmother, along with her kindergarten teacher testified Wednesday. Prosecutors then rested their case for the sentencing phase.

Holly’s defense team began presenting their case Wednesday morning.

Amanda Hines-Britner, Holly’s former wife and three of Holly’s teachers were presented as witnesses by the defense.

The defense will continue to call witnesses Thursday afternoon and may call two more Friday before resting their case.

Jersey’s body was found in an abandoned house next to Holly’s residence on Southeast A Street. She was strangled to death with her pajamas.

The jury watched and listened to a recording of Holly as he confessed to killing Jersey. Prosecutors also presented DNA linking Holly to the crime.

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