BENTONVILLE -- A Garfield man pleaded not guilty Monday to killing his mother.
Patrick Christopher Malone, 21, entered the plea to a capital murder charge during an arraignment before Benton County Circuit Judge Brad Karren.
Bryan Sexton, deputy prosecutor, told Karren the death penalty would be waived. Malone would be sentenced to life in prison without parole if he is convicted. Benton County Prosecutor Nathan Smith said Arkansas law requires a prosecuting attorney to prove one of 10 aggravating factors for a jury to consider capital punishment. He couldn't find one in Malone's case, Smith said.
Malone is accused of shooting Christel Malone, 44.
Benton County Sheriff's Office deputies went to 16912 Ridge Road shortly after 3 p.m. July 31 after Danny Malone called 911 and said his son shot and killed his wife. He also said his son is mentally ill, according to the probable cause affidavit.
Deputies found Christel Malone dead from gunshot wounds. Patrick Malone was arrested at the scene. Deputies found a .410 Taurus Judge gun in a holster on the dining room table, according to the affidavit.
Malone told sheriff's Detective Alison Nguyen he began to think about names his mother had called him. He described his mother as evil and said the two hated each other, according to the affidavit.
Malone said he walked into a bedroom and shot his mother when she turned and looked at him, according to the affidavit. Christel Malone had multiple bullet wounds to her face, according to court documents.
Patrick Malone is being held in the Benton County Jail on a $250,000 bond.
NW News on 10/03/2017