Local teen Cody Ward will appear in Circuit Court today (Tuesday) for a chambers date in the case of the shooting death of 21-year-old John Smith.
Ward, now 18, is being charged with the homicide, and has been in custody since the incident, which occurred on June 18.
Smith was fatally shot at approximately 7 p.m. that night, and witnesses gave officers a description matching Ward, who was found in the area where the suspect was said to have fled. Officers cited help from the community in making the arrest.
According to Prosecuting Attorney Curtis Walker, Ward has been assigned a public defender and it is possible that he could be standing trial as soon as next week, though this is not likely. Today's chambers date will set things up for Ward's next court appearance. A short hearing will also be held to hear the possibility of lowering Ward's bond.
sharris@blythevillecourier.com