Friday, February 1, 2013, 11:46 am News Flash Archive

Wednesday, the Mississippi Supreme Court issued an order denying the petitions by Dr. Arnold Smith to force the removal of Judge Breland Hilburn from his murder conspiracy and capital murder cases filed in Leflore County.

These cases arose from the April 28, 2012 shooting incident at the law office of attorney Lee Abraham that resulted in the death of one of Smith's alleged co-conspirators, Keaira Byrd. Byrd was killed by AG investigators as he entered the office with a drawn weapon. The indictments of Smith and others charged that Smith had hired Byrd to kill Mr. Abraham.

The Supreme Court order, which is signed by Justice David Chandler, may be viewed here:
Supreme Court Order

Smith's attorney had originally petitioned Judge Hilburn to recuse himself due to alleged close connections between Hilburn and Attorney General Jim Hood. Hilburn found there was no conflict and denied the petitions. Smith then appealed to the state Supreme Court on December 18, 2012.

The Supreme Court did not give any reasons in its one page orders turning down Smith's request.

John Pittman Hey
The Taxpayers Channel

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