May trial set in Forrest City bicyclist's death

FORREST CITY — A judge has scheduled a May trial date for a Forrest City man charged with first-degree murder in the death of a bicyclist.

First Judicial District Judge L.T. Simes issued an order Thursday scheduling a May 5 trial date for Majed Attahrawi. Prosecutors charged Attahrawi with first-degree murder in the June 30 death of 59-year-old James Holland.

Prosecutors alleged that Attahrawi intentionally ran over Holland with his cargo van after Holland allegedly tried to shoplift from Attahrawi's store. Police say Holland died after he was pinned between the cargo van and a telephone pole.

The Times-Herald newspaper reported that Attahrawi is also charged with leaving the scene of an accident.

An attorney for Attahrawi, Mike Easley, has said that Holland's death was accidental and not criminal in nature.

Upcoming Events