Trial of man accused of killing over a parking spot begins Monday

Stanton being arrested shortly after the shooting (Photo by Field Walsh | TXK TODAY)
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Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday morning at the Miller County courthouse in Texarkana in the murder trial of motorcyclist accused of shooting another man over a gas station parking spot last year.

Marvin Arrell Stanton, 49, is charged with murder in the Sept. 25 shooting death of Jesse James Hamilton. Stanton allegedly confronted Hamilton in the parking lot of Raceway on State Line Avenue in Texarkana, Ark., because he wanted to park his motorcycle in the space occupied by Hamilton’s truck, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Stanton was allegedly verbally aggressive toward Hamilton and lifted his shirt to reveal a handgun tucked into his waistband before the men became engaged in a physical struggle. Witnesses reportedly told investigators that Hamilton was getting the best of Stanton when a woman began pulling Hamilton away. When space was created between the two men, Stanton allegedly pulled out his pistol and fired, shooting Hamilton at close range.

After the shooting, police recovered a .45 caliber handgun and two magazines loaded with 26 rounds of ammunition were collected from Stanton. Stanton is currently free on a $250,000 bond.

Monday morning, a panel of prospective jurors is scheduled to report to the Miller County courthouse. Once a jury of 12 is chosen, opening arguments and testimony are scheduled to begin before Circuit Judge Kirk Johnson. Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Connie Mitchell and David Cotten are prosecuting. Stanton is represented by Little Rock lawyers Tony Brasuell and Jason Files.

If found guilty of murder, Stanton faces 10 to 40 years or life in prison. The trial is expected to take most of the week.

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