A northeast Arkansas prosecutor is seeking the death penalty against a man charged in the abduction and slaying of a 90-year-old Bay woman.
Prosecutor Scott Ellington announced Thursday that he is seeking the death penalty against 30-year-old Richard Tarver, saying the killing was conducted in an "especially cruel or depraved manner."
Tarver is charged with capital murder, kidnapping, abuse of a corpse and several theft and firearm charges in the July death of Lavinda Counce.
Counce went missing on July 3, and her car was found in a hospital parking lot the next day. Her body was found July 12 in a cornfield after an extensive volunteer search.
Tarver has pleaded not guilty. Tarver's attorney is not listed in court or jail documents. A trial is scheduled for March.
