GREENWOOD — Leflore County prosecutors are planning trials for two men allegedly involved in a Greenwood doctor’s murder-for-hire scheme.
A judge ruled last week that Dr. Arnold Smith, a Greenwood oncologist and the alleged instigator of a failed plot to kill attorney Lee Abraham, is mentally unfit for trial. Smith’s case is now before a chancery judge for civil commitment proceedings.
While Smith’s case was being addressed, prosecutors had delayed trials for co-defendants Cordarious Robinson and Derrick Lacy.
Assistant District Attorney Timothy Jones tells The Greenwood Commonwealth trials will likely held next year. Jones said that Lacy’s attorney, Aelicia L. Thomas of Rosedale, is currently campaigning for youth court judge in Bolivar County.
“It won’t be until after the first of the year,” Jones said.
Prosecutors said Smith’s plot that ended April 28, 2012, with the death of gunman Keaira Byrd and the serious wounding Derrick Lacy. Byrd allegedly was hired to kill Abraham, who represented Smith’s ex-wife in their divorce years ago.
Three investigators from the attorney general’s office were at Abraham’s office when Byrd and Lacy arrived and exchanged gunfire. Abraham was not injured in the gunfire.
Lacy is charged with capital murder and conspiracy to commit murder
Robinson is charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Prosecutors Robinson allegedly helped Smith compile a list of potential hitmen and was paid $15,000 by Smith for his help.
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