Murder Plea Bargain Deal Nixed by Judge

Circuit Judge Richard Albritton rejected a plea deal between the state prosecutors and 21-year-old Jackson County resident Nancy Rose Ann Mears.

Last month Ms. Mears pled no-contest to second-degree murder in the death of 30-year-old Hollis Wayne Smith. Mears allegedly stabbed Hollis in October during an argument over her 18-year-old sister.

Police indicated the Mears family was unhappy the teenage girl was dating the 30-year old Smith.

Ms. Mears cut the plea bargain deal hoping to avoid a possible life in prison sentence. But, Circuit Judge Albritton said he had problems with the deal, and is ordering Mears to stand trial.

The trial is tentatively set for July.

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