Brad Hunter Smith and Jonathan Guenther
2 men arrested for murder, kidnapping of missing Ark. woman
On December 3rd, Cherrish Allbright stepped outside of her Rison home to answer a phone call and never came back.
Now, authorities say, they know what happened.
Jonathan Guenther and Brad Hunter Smith, both 20, are accused of luring Allbright to a field, shooting her with a "crossbow", then beating her with a baseball bat. Guenther and Smith were arrested for capital murder, kidnapping, and abuse of a corpse.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Smith was "upset because Allbright was pregnant and was telling people the baby was his."
Monday, the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office announced they'd charged two men, 20 year old Jonathan Guenther and 20 year-old Brad Hunter Smith with Capital Murder in the disappearance of 22 year-old Cherrish Allbright.
"Somebody you've known your whole life could do something like that? I mean, it wasn't a stranger that did it. I don't feel safe at all. You don't know nobody anymore”, said Hannah Gay, Allbright’s step-cousin.
The woman was reported missing on December 7th. She was last seen at her Rodgers Road home on December 3rd.
"I just wanted to believe she had run off, but in the back of my mind, I knew something wasn't right because I knew she wouldn't disappear that long. I knew she wouldn't be gone that long without contacting her grandmother”, added long-time friend Christian Pottmeyer.
After an extensive search by deputies and the Arkansas State Police, Allbright's body was found Thursday in a wooded area near her home.
"I know she fought. I know she did. Cause she's a fighter. I know she fought for her life. I know she did”, Gay went on to say.
Friday, Guenther was charged with kidnapping, abuse of a corpse, and two counts of capital murder. Gay said that's because Allbright was six weeks pregnant.
"I know she wanted to make it better between them. And I know she probably left the house that night thinking that's what was going to happen. And it was a lie. All she wanted was for him to be part of that baby's life. I know”, said Gay.
"Are you talking about Hunter?"
"Yea."
Sunday, Smith was also charged. A third person was charged with hindering an arrest and posted a $200,000 dollar bond. We have no official confirmation on who that person is. The two men are being held at the Cleveland County Jail with no bond.
Those men will have their next court appearance on January 12.
An additional arrest was reportedly made of an individual for hindering arrest and apprehension. The unknown individual was released from custody after posting a $200,000 bond.
Allbright's body was turned over to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for autopsy, and the investigation is still open. Deputies said additional arrests are possible.
http://www.thv11.com/story/news/loca...oman/77297068/
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