Former Gateway police chief pleads not guilty to capital murder

BENTONVILLE -- A former police chief pleaded not guilty Monday to shooting a man to death.

Grant Hardin, 48, of Garfield is charged with capital murder, which is punishable with a death sentence or life imprisonment without parole. Hardin appeared at his arraignment before Circuit Judge Robin Green.

Hardin is accused of killing James Appleton, 59.

Hardin's attorney Shane Wilkinson told the judge he explained to his client his rights and the minimum and maximum punishments he could face.

The judge asked Hardin how he pleaded to the charge.

"Not guilty," Hardin loudly said.

Hardin was not wearing a jail uniform. The judge previously granted Wilkinson's motion requesting that Hardin be allowed to dress in civilian clothing for his court appearances.

Gateway Mayor Andrew Tillman, who was Appleton's brother-in-law, was on the phone with him when he was fatally shot on Feb. 23, according to court documents. Appleton worked for the city of Gateway.

Appleton was shot in the head and his body was sent to the Arkansas Crime Laboratory.

County records show Hardin served two terms as constable for Benton County District 1 from 2009-10 and 2013-14. Hardin was hired Jan. 31, 2016 as Gateway's police chief and resigned in May. Frank Hackler Jr. was mayor at the time and he resigned Aug. 9, 2016. Tillman was appointed to replace Hackler.

Hardin also worked for Northwest Arkansas Community Correction Center in Fayetteville, according to Dina Tyler, the agency's deputy director of communications and public affairs.

A omnibus hearing is scheduled for 8 a.m. June 19.

Hardin is being held without bond in the Benton County Jail.

NW News on 04/04/2017

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