A high-profile death row case from Benton County is set to return to court this week, as convicted killer Zachary Holly makes another attempt to overturn his death sentence more than a decade after the crime.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to November 20, 2012, when 6-year-old Jersey Bridgeman was found dead inside a vacant home in Bentonville shortly after being reported missing.
Prosecutors said Holly, who had been babysitting the child along with his wife, abducted her during the night. He was accused of sexually assaulting and strangling the young girl.
Conviction and Sentencing
Following an extensive legal process, a jury convicted Holly in 2015 on multiple charges, including murder, kidnapping, and rape. He was sentenced to death on May 27 of that year.
In addition to the death sentence, Holly also received:
- Life imprisonment for kidnapping and rape
- An additional 20-year sentence for residential burglary
Appeals and Legal Challenges
Holly has made several attempts to overturn his conviction and sentence. His direct appeal to the Arkansas Supreme Court was denied, with the court upholding the jury’s decision.
He later filed for post-conviction relief, arguing that his defense team failed to properly present evidence of childhood abuse and its psychological impact. That claim was also rejected.
Upcoming Supreme Court Hearing
Now 41 years old, Holly is scheduled to present oral arguments before the Arkansas Supreme Court on April 9, 2026. Both sides will be given 20 minutes to argue their case.
This hearing represents his latest effort to avoid execution.
Current Status and Additional Details
Holly remains incarcerated within the Arkansas prison system and is currently housed at the Varner Supermax Unit.
According to correctional records, he has accumulated multiple disciplinary violations during his time in prison, including:
- Property destruction
- Threatening behavior
- Unauthorized use of state property
He is one of 23 inmates currently on death row in Arkansas. The state has not carried out an execution since 2017, and the last execution involving a Benton County case occurred in 1996.
What Happens Next
Even if Holly succeeds in overturning his death sentence, he would still face life imprisonment due to his existing convictions. The upcoming court arguments could determine whether his sentence stands or is reconsidered.