Harley, Walker plead 'not guilty'

Tracy Harley and Rico Walker each entered "not guilty" pleas to all charges against them in Jenkins County Superior Court Thursday, June 29. The two are charged with the April 25 murder of Harley's husband, Steven.

Walker was the first to appear before Superior Court Judge F. Gates Peed. He was not represented by legal counsel but indicated that he intended to hire an attorney at a later date. After entering a "not guilty" plea, however, Walker requested that the court appoint an attorney to defend him.

Judge Peed instructed Assistant District Attorney Michael Muldrew to advise Walker of the application process for securing a Public Defender.

Walker is charged with murder, criminal attempt to commit murder and tampering with evidence.

After Walker had exited the courtroom, Jenkins County Sheriff's Department Deputies escorted Tracy Harley into the courtroom, along with her attorneys, Peter Flanagan and Douglas Flanagan of Augusta. She entered a plea of "not guilty" to the charges against her.

Harley is charged with murder, criminal attempt to commit murder, tampering with evidence and two counts of making false statements/writings/concealment of facts.

The indictments read by Assistant District Attorney Muldrew alleged that the two conspired to murder Steven Harley in person and by cellular telephone. The cause of death was said to be blunt force trauma to the head with his throat also being cut. The indictments alleged that the two tampered with evidence by removing items from the residence, breaking glass and moving Steven Harley's body.

A bond hearing for Tracy Harley was held following the civil court proceedings with bond being denied.

Steven Harley, 31, was found slain inside a bedroom of his Hiltonia Road residence after Mrs. Harley called 911 to report a break-in by an unknown person around 1 a.m. April 25. She was arrested for his murder May 16, five days after the arrest of Walker.