BENTONVILLE -- Jury selection began Wednesday for a man on trial for attempted murder who police said told a woman he would blame her dogs if she died.
Opening arguments were held Wednesday in the trial for Brian Post, 48, of Springdale, who is charged with attempted capital murder, five counts of rape and first-degree battery. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. Post was arrested July 22.
Benton County Circuit Judge Robin Green is presiding over the trial, which is expected to last several days.
The woman was found lying partially clothed in a pool of blood on a bed with severe injuries to her leg on May 19, 2015, according to the probable cause affidavit. The lower part of the woman's right buttock and the back of her leg appeared to have been cut off almost down to the back of her knee, according to the affidavit.
The woman told police she believed Post abused and tortured her over an extended period, according to court documents.
The woman, while drifting in and out of consciousness during the attack, told police she heard Post say he would blame her death on her dogs, according to the affidavit.
Cuts to the woman's leg were consistent with a sharp knife, and no bite marks were found on her body. Benton County Sheriff's Office deputies also noted the woman's dogs had no blood on their mouths, according to court documents.
The woman told deputies she spent 70 days in three different hospitals and had multiple surgeries, according to court documents.
Post is being held on a $1 million bond in the Benton County Jail. He faces from 10 years to 40 years or life in prison if convicted of attempted murder and any of the rape charges. He could be sentenced from six years to 30 years in prison if found guilty of the battery.
Stuart Cearley, chief deputy prosecutor, and Carrie Dobbs, deputy prosecutor, are handling the case for the prosecutor's office. Post is represented by deputy public defenders Kevin Lammers and Candace Smith.
The trial is expected to resume this morning.
NW News on 02/23/2017