Two Baxter County brothers charged in connection with a late March shooting incident northeast of Mountain Home entered not guilty pleas during an appearance in Baxter County Circuit Court/Criminal Division Monday. (May 11)Twenty-two-year-old John Francis Way and 20-year-old David Garth Way are both being represented by Little Rock attorney Birc Morledge.
During the hearing, John Way’s bond was reduced from $100,000 to $80,000. The court was also told he is attempting to enter the John 3:16 addiction treatment program.
David Way’s bond remains set at $25,000.
The brothers are scheduled to return to court July 6.
ORIGINAL ARREST
The charges stem from a March 30 shooting incident at a residence on Bay Hill Place off Mallard Point Road northeast of Mountain Home.
According to probable cause affidavits from the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when a vehicle pulled onto property across from the victim’s home. Investigators say gunfire was later exchanged between the homeowner and the suspects, resulting in the homeowner suffering a gunshot wound to the abdomen and John Way being shot in the face.
Investigators say David Way told authorities he believed a canoe was abandoned on property that belonged to his grandmother and called his brother for assistance after being confronted by the victim.
John Way told investigators he shot the victim after seeing the homeowner point a gun at David Way.
While processing John Way’s clothing at the hospital, investigators reportedly located baggies containing suspected methamphetamine.
John Way is charged with attempted murder, aggravated robbery, simultaneous possession of drugs and a firearm, possession with purpose to deliver, possession of firearms by certain persons and criminal trespassing.
David Way is charged with attempted murder, aggravated robbery and criminal trespassing.
SEPARATE INCIDENT
In a separate incident, John Way was arrested May 1 after a traffic stop near Mallard Point Road and U.S. Highway 62 East. According to an affidavit, a deputy observed Way driving at a high rate of speed and making abrupt lane changes before pulling into a parking lot.
During the stop, deputies reportedly found a marijuana vape, suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a glass pipe inside the vehicle and Way’s wallet. Investigators say the methamphetamine had a total weight of approximately 1.8 grams.
Way was charged in that case with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance, careless and prohibited driving, no turn signal, expired driver’s license and no seat belt.
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