A capital murder suspect arrested in another state on suspicion of killing a Springdale man last month was denied bond Friday, according to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.
James Michael Smith, 48, of Springdale, was booked into the Benton County Jail at 1:24 p.m. on Thursday night after being extradited to Arkansas, according to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office website.
Smith, of Springdale, and John Guerra, 55, were arrested Aug. 23 in Virginia on suspicion of capital murder. Smith was successfully extradited to Arkansas, while Guerra awaits extradition. The two suspects also face charges of aggravated robbery and aggravated residential burglary.
Guerra and Smith are accused of beating and robbing 62-year-old Edward Charles Abel at his home on East Brown Road in Springdale on Aug. 16.
Police responded to the home around 11:15 p.m. Abel was taken to Northwest Medical Center where he later died.
