3 suspects plead innocent in June killing

Three people pleaded innocent Thursday to charges of first-degree murder in the death of Steve Burchett, 66, of Pottsville.

Burchett's body was found in a freezer on property in Yell County on June 5, according to an affidavit from Lt. Scott Alan Moore of the county's sheriff's office.

A witness told police that David Shaun White, 41, cut Burchett's throat on June 3, according to the affidavit.

The slaying took place in a vehicle parked outside a residence on Dusty Lane, according to the affidavit. The site is about 5 miles east of Centerville.

White was arrested on June 5 and formally charged on Tuesday.

Also charged with first-degree murder are Jeremy Jay Johnston, 34, and Jesse Lou Kendrick, 35, both of Dardanelle.

All three remained in the Yell County jail in Danville on Thursday.

A jury trial is scheduled for Oct. 22.

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