TEXARKANA — Opening arguments are set in a resentencing trial for an Arkansas man whose death sentence was overturned two years ago by the Arkansas Supreme Court.
Frank Williams Jr. was convicted in Lafayette County in the 1992 killing of farmer Clyde Smith. But in 2011, the state's highest court ordered that Williams be resentenced, citing problems with his original sentencing in 1993.
The Texarkana Gazette reported that a jury of nine women and three men was seated Thursday afternoon, with opening arguments set for Friday. The jurors will determine whether Williams should again receive a death sentence or be sentenced to life in prison without parole. The jury will not be asked to determine Williams' guilt.
The case was moved to Miller County because of pretrial publicity.