January 31, 2017

On Tuesday, a 14-year-old female juvenile was arraigned in Blytheville District Court in the weekend slaying of 38-year-old Bennie Holliman. Judge Shannon Langston found probable cause for second degree murder and bound her over to Circuit Court. Bond was set at $100,000 and her next court appearance will be Feb. 21...

On Tuesday, a 14-year-old female juvenile was arraigned in Blytheville District Court in the weekend slaying of 38-year-old Bennie Holliman.

Judge Shannon Langston found probable cause for second degree murder charges and bound her over to Circuit Court. Bond was set at $100,000 and her next court appearance will be Feb. 21.

"Although the juvenile is being charged as an adult her name will not be released because of future court proceedings," said Capt. Scott Adams, the Blytheville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division commander.

Blytheville police began a death investigation, after Holliman suffered fatal injuries when he was stabbed Sunday night at Cedar Grove Trailer Park, 901 South Division.

Adams said around 7:40 p.m. Sunday police found Holliman lying on the ground with another individual attempting to render aid.

"Officers observed an injury to the victim's neck with severe bleeding," Adams said Monday. "Medics arrived and transported Holliman to the Great River Medical Center where he later died. Officers obtained statements from several people on scene."

The girl turned herself into police around noon Monday.

According to the court synopsis, at the scene Sunday, investigators collected several pieces of clothing, several cellular phones, and photographed the area where the incident occurred.

"Several witnesses were located who advised that the victim had gotten into an argument and then a physical altercation with a female (the offender). Witnesses stated that during the altercation the female stabbed the victim in the neck and then fled area. Information was received that the victim and the female offender may have been in an on-going relationship, which resulted in the altercation."

On Monday, the girl's grandmother surrendered her.

"A recorded interview was conducted where both (the offender) and her grandmother were advised of their rights, per Miranda," the report reads. "(The offender) advised that the victim was attempting to have a relationship with her, and on the night of the 29th she turned him down. (The offender) stated that they were both at her uncle's residence at Cedar Grove and when she left, Holliman followed her out the door. (The girl) advised that Holliman struck her in the head, knocked her to the ground, and began chocking and punching her. (The offender) advised that while Holliman was on top of her, she grabbed a broken piece of glass and struck at Holliman."

The offender reportedly told police she did not intend on striking Holliman in the neck. "(She) stated that she contacted her grandmother after the incident and had been with her until she was brought to the Police Department," the report said. "(The offender) had no signs of physical injury other than a small laceration on her finger from the glass.

"In an attempt to photograph any injury and non-injury, (the offender) became un-cooperative and would only allow her hands and face to be photographed. Post interview, officers attempted to transport (the girl) to the Juvenile Detention Center at the Mississippi County Sheriffs Office, which prompted her to become very combative."

Family members of the victim came to the Police Department Monday afternoon and told police that Holliman and the female offender had been in an ongoing romantic relationship for several months, though they had voiced their disapproval.

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