One of the six men accused of being involved with the stabbing and beating of a Hutchinson man last year was arraigned Tuesday on a charge of attempted 1st degree murder Tuesday. Troy Bell entered a “not guilty” plea to the charge.
Troy Bell had been bound over on that charge after a preliminary hearing in June of last year, but later Judge Tim Chambers found there was insufficient evidence against Bell to show premeditation. However, he did allow the state to present additional evidence at an additional preliminary hearing.
So, the state presented an additional witness in the case against Bell, that being a convicted felon, Michael Pelsor who testified over what the state believes was a conspiracy to get even for the slapping of two co-defendants mother.
Bell is also charged with aggravated battery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated burglary for the incident.
With the “not guilty” plea, the case against him will proceed to trial on March 3.
Others accused of being involved in the attack include John Cantu, Jordon and Joseph LeShore Sean Arevalo-Mendoza and Desmund Cantu.
Desmund Cantu has already been convicted and is serving 7-years, while Joseph LeShore was recently allowed to withdraw his plea to attempted 2nd degree murder and will now face trial on a charge of attempted 1st degree murder. The others cases are also pending.
The attack on Jeffrey Payne took place back on February 18, 2013, when these men allegedly broke into his home and physically attacked and stabbed him numerous times in the leg and torso.