BENTONVILLE -- A third attorney has been assigned to the defense team of a Bella Vista man accused of killing his 6-year-old son last year.
George Morledge of Little Rock will assist Jeff Rosenzweig and Bill James in representing Mauricio Torres of Bella Vista.
Torres, 46, and and his wife Cathy Torres, 45, are charged with capital murder and first-degree battery. The two will be tried separately and prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty in both cases.
The Torreses are being held without bond in the Benton County Jail.
Maurice Isaiah Torres was pronounced dead at an area hospital March 29, 2015. A medical examiner determined the boy suffered chronic child abuse and his death was from internal injuries caused by rape, according to court documents.
Mauricio Torres was set to go on trial Aug. 22, but Circuit Judge Brad Karren granted a delay until Nov. 1.
The delay is because of a medical issue with Rosenzweig, who recently told the court he had been diagnosed with acute deep vein thrombosis and has blood clots in his leg. Rosenzweig said he has been placed on blood thinners and his health prevents him from traveling.
Nathan Smith, Benton County prosecutor, objected to the delay, but he also requested Karren assign a third attorney so the trial wouldn't have to be delayed again if Rosenweig is still experiencing health problems.
Gregg Parrish, executive director of the Arkansas Public Defender Commission, wrote Karren that Morledge had been assigned to the case. Parrish told Karren that Morledge meets the requirements to handle capital cases where the death penalty is sought.
Cathy Torres was supposed to go on trial Nov. 1, but her trial has been postponed. A new trial date hasn't been scheduled.
Mauricio and Cathy Torres could each be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty if convicted of capital murder. They face from five to 20 years if convicted of first-degree battery.
NW News on 07/29/2016