PIGGOTT -- Two people accused of leading police on a two-state chase that caused the death of an elderly motorist were charged with first-degree murder Tuesday in Clay County Circuit Court, Sheriff Terry Miller said.
Robert Huffines, 36, of Holcomb, Mo., and Lea Mamino, 32, of Collinsville, Ill., are being held in the Clay County jail in Piggott on bonds of $500,000 set by Circuit Judge Dan Ritchey.
Huffines and Mamino are also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, felony fleeing and theft by receiving. Huffines also faces a charge of driving while intoxicated.
Police said Huffines and Mamino stole a vehicle in Collinsville and were spotted by authorities in Kennett, Mo., on Sunday morning. Police chased them through Campbell, Mo., and into Arkansas before they reached Rector at about 10:30 a.m. Sunday.
Miller said Clay County Deputy Terry Burdin joined in the pursuit as Huffines and Mamino drove through the Clay County town.
State police said Sadine Dixon, 84, of Piggott pulled off Pine Street near a railroad crossing in Rector to let police vehicles pass her, but then pulled back onto the road and was struck by Burdin's vehicle. Miller said Burdin was traveling about 40 mph when he hit the rear of Dixon's vehicle.
Dixon was killed in the accident.
Burdin was treated and released at a local hospital. He remains on administrative leave with pay pending a state police investigation into the accident, Miller said.
Police continued their pursuit into Greene County, where Huffines eventually lost control of his vehicle and struck a concrete embankment at a Walgreens store at the intersection of U.S. 49 and U.S. 412.
State law allows officials to charge someone with first-degree murder if, while fleeing from police immediately after committing a felony, he causes the death of a person.
Huffines and Mamino will return to Clay County Circuit Court for a plea hearing Jan. 10, the sheriff said.
State Desk on 10/05/2016