Murder suspect charged with decapitating man pleads not guilty

HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. — A suspect accused of killing a man, cutting off his head and setting a mobile home on fire appeared Tuesday in court.

As Buddy Ray Small entered the courtroom, one of his family members made a loud outburst, saying “I love you Bud Ray.” The loud comment got her escorted outside.

“Anybody else? Because I’m putting the next one in jail,” Judge Steve Beal said.

Small entered a not guilty plea to charges of first-degree murder, arson and abuse of a corpse.

“I warned them that it was going to be a not guilty plea, so they weren’t surprised,” Stephanie Cody, an advocate for the victim’s family, said.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation identified the body found as William Jack Ferguson. Cody said the family wants his name to be known.

“The victim is B.J. Ferguson,” Cody said. “I’m representing his two sisters and his niece.”

Court papers say Small admitted during an interview with TBI agents to shooting the victim before cutting off his head and setting the mobile home on fire. Documents also show that Small did it in front of witnesses.

After Tuesday’s arraignment, he is still being held without bond.

Cody said the family is hoping justice is delivered swiftly. Family members of the suspect declined to comment on the case at this time.

Small’s next court appearance is set for next Wednesday, Feb. 22.