FAYETTEVILLE -- Two capital murder cases were reset Monday in Washington County Circuit Court and have tentative new trial dates.
Scott Aaron Rocha is accused of killing his mother in Springdale. Sam Hill is accused of shooting his father to death in rural southeast Washington County.
Both cases had been on the court's docket for Monday. Both cases were transferred to Circuit Judge Mark Lindsay when he began hearing most of the criminal cases in the district at the first of the year.
Rocha's case is tentatively set for 10 days beginning Oct. 19.
The body of Frances Idell Rocha, 65, was found in the garage at 3547 Loblolly Place early March 8, 2014, according to the preliminary arrest report. Both Rochas lived at the residence.
Rocha, 32, told police he shot his mother and intended to kill himself, according to a police report. He told police he tried to dispose of the body but couldn't get it in the car, and he walked to a liquor store for more beer after the shooting, according to the report.
Rocha pleaded not guilty to capital murder.
Sam Hill, 26, was arrested after police said he shot his father, Allen Hill, 61, of 12397 S. Whitehouse Road, near Elkins, on Aug. 20, 2014.
Hill's trial is tentatively set for five days beginning Sept. 21.
Hill pleaded not guilty to capital murder and aggravated assault on a family or household member. His attorney announced in late February he intends to pursue a defense of mental disease or defect. Hill's mental examination has not been completed.
Allen Hill was shot multiple times in the chest, according to Kelly Cantrell, spokeswoman for the Washington County sheriff 's office. Hill died at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville.
Roberta Hill told police her son, Sam Hill, shot her husband during an argument at their home.
If convicted of capital murder, Rocha and Hill face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. Prosecutors have not decided whether they will seek the death penalty in either case.
Ron Wood may be reached by email at rwood@nwadg.com.
NW News on 03/17/2015