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Judge grants prosecutors access to Medicaid records in capital murder trial

Shawna Cash of Pine Bluff is accused of killing a Pea Ridge Police officer in June 2021.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Benton County Circuit Court Judge Brad Karren granted prosecutors in Shawna Cash's capital murder trial access to a Medicaid record of the defendant on Tuesday, Nov. 21. 

Cash of Pine Bluff pleaded not guilty to capital murder and other charges in the death of a Northwest Arkansas police officer in September 2021. 

She is charged in the June 2021 death of Pea Ridge Officer Kevin Apple. Police have said Cash was driving a vehicle that struck and dragged Apple when he approached the vehicle in a convenience store parking lot. 

An affidavit following the incident shows police questioning Cash about what happened leading up to Apple's death. She did not take responsibility for the fatal crash and said she was just doing what she was told to do and that she tends to "blackout" during stressful situations. 

Cash told investigators she had smoked marijuana the morning of Apple's death but had done any other substances.

Benton County prosecutor is seeking Cash's medical records for information on her mental health and substance abuse history. 

Cash did not consent to the prosecutor accessing her medical records. 

Prosecutors say they are seeking the death penalty. 

Credit: Benton County Sheriff's Office
Shawna Cash
Credit: KFSM

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