One of the two men suspected of killing a Springdale man was extradited to Arkansas and booked into Benton County Jail on Wednesday morning, according to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.
John Armando Guerra, 55, faces charges of capital murder and aggravated robbery in connection with the death of Edward Charles Abel, a Springdale man found assaulted and dead in his home in August 2013, according to the Springdale Police Department.
James Michael Smith, 48, also faces charges of capital murder and aggravated robbery, along with potential charges of felony theft and residential burglary, in connection with Abel’s slaying, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Both men were arrested in Virginia on Aug. 23 and awaited extradition to Arkansas. Smith was extradited in September. Both men now remain in the Benton County Jail without bond.
Emergency crews responded to Abel’s home on East Brown Road on Aug. 17 and found him unresponsive. He was transported to Northwest Medical Center in Springdale, where he later died, according to the Springdale Police Department.
Police said Abel was the victim of an assault prior to officers being called to the home.
“I don’t know if it was an isolated case, just someone after him,” said neighbor Diane Powell. “I don’t think they believed in banks so I think most of their money and valuables were in the house.”
