By Jeannie Nuss
Associated Press
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — After her father and stepmother were arrested last year for chaining her to a dresser, young Jersey Bridgeman received something of a fresh start when she began kindergarten this fall in northwest Arkansas.
Then, last week, the 6-year-old’s body was found in a vacant home two doors from where she had been living with her mother.
Authorities have arrested 28-year-old neighbor and family friend Zachary Holly in Jersey’s death. Holly is due in court Wednesday in Bentonville, a city about 215 miles northwest of Little Rock that’s best known for Wal-Mart’s headquarters.
Holly was being held on capital murder, kidnapping and residential burglary charges Tuesday night in the Benton County Jail. A judge is likely to appoint a lawyer to represent Holly during his court appearance Wednesday.