Attorney for man charged in Realtor's death to review mental evaluation

FILE — Arron Lewis is escorted by authorities at the Pulaski County sheriff's office in this September 2014 file photo.
FILE — Arron Lewis is escorted by authorities at the Pulaski County sheriff's office in this September 2014 file photo.

An attorney for the man accused of kidnapping and killing real estate agent Beverly Carter told a judge he needs time to review his client's just-completed mental evaluation while preparing for trial.

Attorney Bill James, who represents Arron Lewis, said he only just received the report Monday and wanted to read it fully before moving forward. Pulaski County Circuit Judge Herbert Wright set Lewis’ next hearing for Nov. 16.

James said he didn’t request the evaluation because Lewis is “crazy,” but rather to keep all options open while putting together a defense.

“We didn’t claim he’s not competent,” James said. “We just asked for the evaluation because we have to let them look at him in order to use that evidence, if it comes up.”

Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence for Lewis, 34, on charges of capital murder and kidnapping, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette previously reported.

Carter’s body was found Sept. 2014 in a shallow grave near Cabot days after she disappeared after going to show a home.

Read Tuesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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