An Independence County jury on Wednesday sentenced a Batesville man to life in prison after finding him guilty of first-degree murder in the 2023 stabbing death of his former roommate.
Israel Estrada Cannalte, 41, was convicted in the killing of Maximo “Max” Hernandez, 43, following a two-day trial at the Independence County Courthouse. Circuit Judge Tim Weaver presided over the proceedings.
Prosecutors said Hernandez was found dead in his west Batesville home on Dec. 26, 2023, by friends who came to visit. Authorities later determined he had been stabbed more than 50 times with a knife and a screwdriver, according to a report from the Arkansas State Crime Lab.
Cannalte was taken into custody the same day after the Batesville Police Department was notified by a Newport hospital that a man matching Cannalte’s description had arrived at the emergency room with suspicious cuts on his hands. The Newport Police Department assisted in the arrest.
Sixteenth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Drew Smith and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kellye Barber led the case for the state.
Members of Hernandez’s family gave victim impact statements during the trial.
Image: Independence County Sheriff’s Office
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