FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) — A Springdale man pleaded not guilty Thursday (Jan. 9) to killing a Bethel Heights man last month.
Anjel Torres, 18, is charged in Washington County Circuit Court with first-degree murder, committing a terroristic act, continuing criminal enterprise and three counts aggravated assault — all felonies.
Torres’ trial is set for March 26. He is being held at the Washington County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond.
Springdale police said Torres shot and killed Javier Nicolas-Rodriguez on Dec. 6, 2018. Officers responding to Pioneer Street for gunshots found Nicolas, 19, dead inside a vehicle that had crashed into a house.
Police said Torres later fled to California with the help of a friend, Jose Mendoza, who was arrested in connection with hindering apprehension.
U.S. Marshals arrested Torres in San Bernardino, Calif., and officials extradited him back to Arkansas.
