HOT SPRINGS — The trial of a man accused in the 2010 shooting death of a Mountain Pine man that was to begin Wednesday has been continued until later in the year, and the charge was amended.
Charles Ray Wideman Jr., 37, was arrested shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 23, 2010, on a charge of second-degree murder in the death of Shawn Guthrie, 37.
Wideman, who has been free on $10,000 bond, appeared with his attorney, Clay Janske, in Garland County Circuit Court with Judge Marcia Hearnsberger presiding, but some last-minute disputes about certain motions in the case led to its postponement until Oct. 24.
The charge was amended Wednesday from second-degree murder, punishable by up to 30 years in prison, to manslaughter, punishable by up to 10 years. Prosecutors are also seeking a felony firearm enhancement that could add 15 years to the sentence.
Arkansas, Pages 16 on 05/25/2012