Following months of rescheduling, the preliminary hearing for Antonio Whitehorn was held Monday afternoon. Three of the six charges he faced were dropped, and he has now been scheduled for arraignment.
Whitehorn was arrested in January for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Jarvis Johnson on Jan. 9.
Initially, he faced two counts of second-degree murder. One of those — along with two counts of robbery — were withdrawn by Butler County Prosecutor Paul Oesterreicher during the hearing. The felony complaint was amended and two counts of second-degree murder remain, as well as a count of possession of an illegal gun.
Upon learning of this and discussing the matter with his attorney, Whitehorn waived any advisement from the court and waived his right to a preliminary hearing on the existing counts.
As a result, Judge Wade Pierce scheduled the arraignment for July 30.
Authorities believe Whitehorn’s alleged involvement in the shooting was related a robbery gone wrong. In the aftermath, he was arrested along with Stormy Ward, 18, of Poplar Bluff. Ward allegedly lied to investigators regarding her whereabouts on Jan. 9, as well as her activities during that day.
The probable cause affidavit filed with Butler County courts stated forensic examination of her and Whitehorn’s cellular devices revealed she had texted Whitehorn and instructed him to delete any and all evidence referring to any of the events leading up to the altercation.
Ward faces charges of hindering prosecution of a felony and tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution. She is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday, Aug. 6 for plea and trial setting.