3rd suspect in Little Rock diner shooting ordered held without bail

Marquis Parker (from left), Adrian Avery and Corey Lamonte Eskridge, all 21
Marquis Parker (from left), Adrian Avery and Corey Lamonte Eskridge, all 21

The third suspect in a fatal shooting at a Little Rock diner pleaded innocent in court Tuesday before a judge ordered him held without bail.

Corey Lamont Eskridge was the last of three 21-year-olds arrested in last week's shooting of Frontier Diner patron Harold Byrd, 77.

District Court Judge Alice Lightle declined to set bail for Eskridge on Tuesday, echoing her decision with fellow suspect Marquis Parker.

Police said Parker and Eskridge entered the restaurant together last Thursday, but Parker killed Byrd when his gun accidentally went off.

The third man arrested, Adrian Avery, was driving the getaway car, according to police. Lightle ordered Avery's bail set at $1 million last week.

All three were charged with aggravated robbery and capital murder.

Eskridge's family hired private attorney Lott Rolfe to represent him Tuesday.

Rolfe requested that Lightle set bail, telling the judge that Eskridge has lived in the area his entire life and has "strong family support."

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