BATESVILLE, Ark. — The daughter of a Southside woman who was killed nearly a year ago has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in her mother's death.
The Batesville Daily Guard reports that Jerrie Lynn Acklin pleaded guilty this week in Independence County Circuit Court to the June 2014 slaying of 65-year-old Linda Jo Stingley. Acklin also pleaded guilty to burglary and theft charges as part of a plea deal in which she was sentenced to 56 years in prison.
After answering questions from Judge Dan Kemp, Acklin declined an opportunity to speak during the hearing.
Stingley disappeared June 2, 2014, after leaving work at an assisted living center in Batesville. Her body was found two days later near Malvern — about 140 miles southeast of Batesville.