De Queen Man Accused of Triple Murder to Stand Trial, Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty
A De Queen man accused of killing three family members is set to appear for a jury trial later this month, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty.
The trial for 25-year-old Hunter Chenoweth is scheduled to take place from January 21-28 in the Madison County Circuit Court, according to court records. Chenoweth faces three counts of capital murder in connection with the deaths of his mother, stepfather, and sister. The victims were found deceased on February 23, 2021, at a residence in Madison County, according to the Arkansas State Police.
The victims include Chenoweth’s 51-year-old mother, Tami Lynn Chenoweth; his 59-year-old stepfather, James Stanley McGhee; and his 26-year-old sister, Cheyenne Chenoweth.
Chenoweth was arrested on the night of the murders after authorities across the state began searching for a vehicle linked to the crime scene. Following a brief standoff with state troopers, during which he reportedly threatened officers while brandishing a rifle, Chenoweth was taken into custody without further incident.
In the lead-up to the trial, Chenoweth’s defense team filed a motion to prevent prosecutors from seeking the death penalty, arguing that the punishment would be “cruel and unusual.” However, the court ruled against the motion, meaning that if convicted, Chenoweth could face a death sentence.
Prosecutors have filed an amended notice in court confirming their intent to seek the death penalty if Chenoweth is convicted, citing aggravated circumstances in the case.
Additionally, a gag order has been imposed on the case, barring Chenoweth’s counsel, state prosecutors, law enforcement, and public officials from discussing the matter publicly or with the media.
Chenoweth is also facing a felony domestic battery charge in Washington County related to an incident in February 2020, in which he is accused of stabbing his stepfather. According to court records, the charge stems from that alleged altercation.
The upcoming trial in Madison County will determine whether Chenoweth will be held accountable for the triple homicide.
