MARIANNA — A trial date has been set for Gordon Gwathney, who is accused of killing his mother-in-law and his wife's grandparents in Lee County.
Gwathney is charged with capital murder for the February 13th killings at a home near Palestine. Gwathney tried to flee to Mexico but authorities caught him in Texas.
Defense lawyers have said they will pursue a defense of innocent by mental disease or defect. Trial is to be held in May.
Killed were 51-year-old Sylvia Reeves, 81-year-old J.O. Mitchell, and 79-year-old Evelyn Mitchell. Gwathney's brother-in-law, Terry Reeves, and St. Francis County Sheriff's Deputy Tracy Jackson were wounded as they went to help the family.