Aunt says girl's killer badly abused as child

Prosecutor argues for death penalty

Zachary Holly
Zachary Holly

BENTONVILLE -- The aunt of a man convicted Wednesday in the strangulation death of a 6-year-old girl said the man's stepfather injected him with methamphetamine when he was a boy.

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Christina Whitaker testified Thursday that she saw Zachary Holly's stepfather beat Holly's mother and be abusive toward Holly.

Whitaker said she saw Holly smoke and snort methamphetamine on different occasions. Holly's stepfather was involved in Holly's drug use when he was a child, Whitaker said.

"He thought it would be funny to shoot him up," Whitaker said.

Holly's defense team hasn't denied his guilt in the Nov. 20, 2012, death of Jersey Bridgeman and began its attempt Thursday to persuade the jury to spare him a death sentence.

Holly, 30, was found guilty Wednesday of capital murder, kidnapping, rape and residential burglary in connection with the 6-year-old girl's slaying.

Nathan Smith, Benton County prosecuting attorney, asked jurors in his opening statement of the sentencing phase to impose the death penalty for Holly.

Whitaker, when questioned by Smith, said Holly knew the difference between right and wrong.

Kent McLemore and Robby Golden, Holly's defense attorneys, called a group of witnesses who discussed Holly's childhood.

Karen Maus, mitigation specialist assigned to Holly's case, said Holly grew up mainly in Bakersfield, Calif. He also spent parts of his childhood in Arkansas.

Medical records show that Holly was injured in a childhood attack by other children when they jumped on his testicles. Holly lost one testicle and the other had to be repaired, Maus said.

Amanda Hines-Britner, Holly's former wife, testified Holly could not read or write. Hines-Britner said she would fill out job applications for him.

Hines-Britner divorced Holly after his arrest.

She also shared her feelings about Jersey.

"She was an absolute beautiful baby girl," Hines-Britner said. "She was my son's best friend. It was a privilege to have her in my home. I loved her."

Kenny Keeton, Holly's brother, also testified Thursday.

McLemore wanted to know why Keeton had provided his jailed brother with books if he could not read. Keeton believes Holly taught himself to read or write while in jail.

"I'm very proud of my brother for that," Keeton said.

Circuit Judge Brad Karren ruled that Stuart Cearley, chief deputy prosecutor, could question Keeton about a conversation that Keeton had with Holly. The conversation was recorded at the Benton County jail.

The brothers talked about a newspaper article shortly after the second anniversary of Jersey's death. Holly complained about the media coverage

The defense also called three of Holly's former teachers at Huntsville High School. The teachers testified about Holly's failing grades, but they also said Holly lacked motivation and would not do schoolwork.

The sentencing proceeding will continue today in Benton County Circuit Court.

Metro on 05/22/2015

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