Elvis Thacker is charged with first degree murder and forcible sodomy in the death of 22-year-old Brianna Ault in 2010. His brother Johnathen faces the same charges.
A preliminary hearing was held at 9 a.m. Thursday and much of the discussion and questioning was about jurisdiction since there were crime scenes in two states, Oklahoma and Arkansas, and multiple agencies were involved.
Ault’s body was found in a pond near Pocola on Sept. 13, 2010. Her throat had been slashed, according to police reports. After allegedly slashing Ault's throat, the suspects drove to Cedarville to dispose of the murder weapon and change clothes, then drove to Fort Smith where they set Ault’s car on fire.
On Thursday Thacker’s attorney questioned Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agent Shawn Ward about his involvement in the murder investigation, jurisdiction while assisting the Fort Smith Police Department and whether he questioned Thacker after his arrest. Thacker claims he invoked his right to remain silent, but was questioned anyway.
The hearing may continue Friday.
Both men have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their trial is expected to be held in January of next year.