Navarro Stone is arraigned

John Navarro Stone, the Lincoln County man captured in Grangeville, Idaho, more than two weeks ago for the serious beating of a Fortine woman, pleaded not guilty to two charges in Judge James B. Wheelis’ 19th Judicial District Court on Monday.

Stone, 57, is charged with attempted deliberate homicide in the severe beating of his wife with whom he shared a home.

Navarro Stone also is charged with aggravated assault.

Appearing thinner than he did in the photograph that was distributed by law-enforcement officials when he was a fugitive, Navarro Stone soundly answered when asked by Wheelis whether he understands the charges against him and whether he wanted them read aloud.

Navarro Stone has retained attorney Lane Bennett to represent him.

Asked about his client’s plea, Bennett simply said, “We’re going to make the state prove its case against our client.”

Bond for Navarro Stone has been set at $500,000, and since his property is in litigation pending the dissolution of their marriage, it cannot be used to post bond.

Bennett asked Wheelis then to reduce Navarro Stone’s bond, to which Wheelis declined, at least at this time.

“We’ll leave it alone for now,” Wheelis said.

The beating took place March 10, and he was on the lam until captured April 16.