MADISON COUNTY, Ark. – A Madison County man accused of killing three family members in 2021 has been sentenced to life in prison after changing his plea to guilty, bringing an early conclusion to his trial.
Mistrial Motion Denied
During court proceedings, the defense for Hunter Chenoweth, who faced three capital murder charges, argued that the jury’s exposure to crime scene photos jeopardized his right to a fair trial. The judge, however, denied the request for a mistrial.
Chenoweth was taken into custody on Feb. 24, 2021, in central Arkansas after being accused of abducting a child and killing his mother, 51-year-old Tami Lynn Chenoweth, stepfather 59-year-old James Stanley McGehee, and sister 26-year-old Cheyenne Chenoweth.
Delays and Jury Selection
Initially pleading not guilty in March 2021, Chenoweth’s trial faced multiple delays. The first postponement came after investigators discovered a possible murder weapon near Conway. The second delay was caused by a key witness experiencing a medical emergency.
Jury selection commenced on Feb. 3, 2025, with around 50 potential jurors called to court. The selection process was completed on Feb. 5, leading into trial proceedings.
Graphic Evidence and Witness Testimonies
Opening statements began on Feb. 6, with Arkansas State Police Special Agent Josh Arnold taking the stand as the first witness. Prosecutors presented graphic evidence, including images of the crime scene and a firearm allegedly used in the killings. The defense objected to the inclusion of these images, claiming it violated Chenoweth’s right to a fair trial, but the judge rejected the motion.
Throughout the day, 12 witnesses testified, including Chenoweth’s siblings. His sister, Julia Cochran, recounted a phone call from their mother on the day of the murders, mentioning tensions in the home involving Hunter and his girlfriend. His brother, Jacob Chenoweth, told the court he called their stepfather’s phone after not being picked up from school on Feb. 23, 2021. Instead, Hunter answered, allegedly telling him the family members were dead.
Investigators also presented video evidence of Chenoweth admitting to police that he carried out the killings, reportedly stating, “I just kept shooting.”
Prosecutors detailed the brutal nature of the attack, stating that Chenoweth’s mother was shot at least nine times, his sister was stabbed four times and shot, and his stepfather was shot at least six times.
Plea Change and Sentencing
On Feb. 7, just a day after the trial began, Chenoweth changed his plea to guilty, leading to an early conclusion of the case. Prosecutor Denis Dean confirmed that he received three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.
The case, which had been pending for nearly four years, has now reached its final resolution.
