Capital murder defendant hearing postponed

By Matt Elofson

Published: September 24, 2008

A Dothan man charged with capital murder in a 2007 shooting death will remain held without bond after a Houston County Circuit Court judge continued his case until November.

Brandon Bell, 26, of East Newton Street, had a hearing set Wednesday for general motions, including a bond hearing. The hearing was continued until Nov. 19.

Bell has been charged with shooting Richard Smith, Jr. to death in June 2007. Circuit Judge Butch Binford has previously denied bond for Bell. He was arrested on June 30, 2007, about 10 days after the murder. Authorities believe Smith was shot to death while in his vehicle, according previous Dothan Eagle reports. Smith’s body was found near some railroad tracks on Stough Street.

Derek Yarbrough, Bell’s defense attorney, asked the hearing to be continued because he did not know about the hearing. Shaun McGhee also represents Bell.

Pravin Dewayne Simpson, 19, who also has been charged with capital murder in the Smith killing, is held without bond in the case.

Andre Farrier, 28, of Pontiac Avenue, has also been charged with capital murder in the case. He was released from custody in June after he posted a $99,000 bond.