LITTLE ROCK, AR – Two teens suspected of being involved in the
stabbing of a Drew County Good Samaritan last March struck plea deals with prosecutors Friday.
17-year-old Blake Smith was sentenced to 25 years in prison followed by 15 years suspended sentence. 15-year-old Hayley Thompson pleaded guilty to lesser included crimes and was sentenced to 121 months (10 years and 1 month) in prison followed 119 months (9 years and 11 months) suspended sentence.
As part of their plea deals, Smith and Thompson agreed to testify against the third suspect, 15-year-old Christopher Darden. Smith and Thompson were also ordered to pay restitution after they finish their prison sentence.
Smith, Thompson, and Darden were all originally charged with attempted capital murder in the stabbing of 77-year-old Bobby Strickland. According to the Drew County Sheriff’s Office, Strickland had pulled over in his truck to help the trio with what appeared to be a broken down truck. That is when Strickland was stabbed multiple times and his truck was stolen.
Darden’s next court date has not been set.
