The last time the public saw Dr. Arnold Smith, the shackled physician was being yanked out of a courtroom after arguing with a judge two weeks ago.
Now the 70-year-old Greenwood oncologist, accused of conspiring to kill attorney Lee Abraham, will get his second day in court Wednesday.
Leflore County Court Judge Kevin Adams will hold a preliminary hearing at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Leflore County Courthouse.
The purpose of a preliminary hearing is to decide if there is probable cause to bind a person accused of a crime over to a grand jury. Testimony is given, and the accused can cross-examine witnesses and offer evidence.
Smith is charged with conspiracy to commit murder for allegedly plotting to kill Abraham, whom Smith has held a grudge against for years and accused of exerting strong political and economic influence. He’s also charged with capital murder in the death of Keaira Byrd, an alleged hired killer who died following a shootout with state Attorney General’s Office agents at Abraham’s Market Street office on April 28.
Smith has been held at the Leflore County Jail since being arrested before dawn on April 29. Justice Court Judge Jim Campbell denied bond on May 2 during Smith’s initial appearance.
If Smith is bound over to the grand jury, Adams will be review the bond.
John Collete, a Jackson defense attorney not associated with this case, said after bond was denied that it was an unusual move.
“I think that’s an awful big stretch and probably somewhat punitive,” Collete said.
Everyone else charged in the case is out of custody.
Derrick Lacy, 25, is being held on house arrest with an ankle monitoring bracelet. One of the two alleged assassins, he was seriously wounded in the shootout. Lacy is charged with conspiracy to commit murder and capital murder.
Cordarious Robinson, 22, was released on $120,000 bond for charges of conspiracy to commit murder and possession of a firearm by a felon on May 3. Robinson allegedly worked with Smith to recruit the hit men in the months leading up to the shooting.
Paul Muller, a 54-year-old Morgan City brick man, has been out on $250,000 bond since May 2. His alleged role in the attacks has not been released.
No new court documents had been filed in the case as of Monday evening.
• Contact Charlie Smith at 581-7235 or csmith@gwcommonwealth.com.
