A Service of UA Little Rock
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Prosecutor Won't Seek Death Penalty For Arkansas Woman

A prosecutor says he won't seek the death penalty for a northeast Arkansas woman charged in a plot to kill her husband.

Prosecutor Scott Ellington said Tuesday that he won't pursue possible execution for Michelle Despain.

Ellington's announcement comes after he said he spoke with the parents of Despain's late husband, Marc Despain.

Prosecutors say Michelle Despain hired a man to kill her husband, who was shot to death in the couple's home in August 2011.

Three other people charged in the case have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced to prison.

Michelle Despain's lawyer didn't immediately return a phone call Tuesday.

She was previously slated to go on trial this month, but that proceeding has been delayed.

Ellington said a judge hasn't set a new trial date yet.