Another Court Date Will Be Set For Man Accused Of Murder By Drug

The trial of a Rustburg man charged with second-degree murder and distribution of a controlled substance has been continued. The Altavista Journal reports Harold Morris Smith Jr. decided against a guilty plea; instead pleading not guilty last Thursday; his attorney asked for a continuance. Smith is charged in the death of 21 year old Casey Beals from an overdose on Jan. 18, 2012. Smith is accused of providing the prescription pain medication that led to the death of Beals. The case will be continued at the next available docket call.