Murder Trial Underway In Bradley County

The trial charging Laron Hayes, Jr. with murder, aggravated assault and terroristic threatening is underway in Bradley County Circuit Court.  The trial began Tuesday, April 23rd.  Most of the morning was taken up seating a jury and instructions being issued by Judge Sam Pope.  Several prospective jurors were excused due to excess knowledge of the case or some type connection to the defendant or the victims.

Opening statements by the prosecution and defense began after lunch, and then the prosecution proceeded by calling witnesses.  By around 3:00 P.M. eleven witnesses had testified.  The witnesses included an eyewitness, and others who had talked to Mr. Hayes after the alleged incident.  Also testifying were law enforcement officers for Bradley County, City of Warren, and the Arkansas State Police.

The jury is made up of eight women and four men.  There is one Hispanic and two African Americans.

During the questioning of the first eleven witnesses, several pictures of the scene were shown and one telephone recording was heard.  The State Police recorded interview with Mr. Hayes was shown to the jury.