Below is the official release from the Arkansas State Police regarding the deaths of four people in Stone County.
Stone County authorities have requested the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division to investigate the deaths of four people who appear to have died as the result of gunshot wounds.
The homicides occurred at two homes located about one-quarter mile apart. State police special agents are investigating the cases independently and have not, at this juncture, found conclusive evidence to confirm whether the cases might be related.
The Stone County Sheriff’s Office contacted state police late yesterday (Thursday, April 21) requesting CID special agents be sent to 646 Northcutt Road, located off Arkansas Highway 5.
About 2 p.m., a woman and her son, both residents of the home located south of Mountain View, had been found dead by a family member.
The deceased have been identified as Shirley Watters, 77, and James Watters, 55.
Agents investigating the case have found evidence indicating both had been wounded by gunfire.
About 8 hours later while continuing their work at the first crime scene, agents were called to a second crime scene located at 5474 Arkansas Highway 5, north of the Watters residence.
William Clinton Trammell, 75, and his wife, Sharon, 72, had been discovered dead inside their home. Both, the apparent victims, of gunshot wounds.
The bodies in each case have been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory where the medical examiner will confirm the cause and manner of death and provide agents with an approximate time of death.
Special agents assigned to the independent cases are continuing their investigative work today and will keep the Stone County Sheriff’s Department and prosecuting attorney updated on their findings.
Earlier…
Stone County authorities have been investigating the deaths of four people.
According to Chief Deputy Sheriff Damon McGilton, the department staff has not had an opportunity to rest since they were called to investigate the deaths of two people at a residence in the area of the Ben community on Thursday afternoon.
Authorities say two deceased individuals were discovered at that location, and then approximately one mile from that residence, two more individuals were found deceased at another location. McGilton said it is unknown at this time whether or not the two incidents are related or who may be involved, but KARK reporter Mitchell McCoy is reporting authorities have interviewed an individual, but that person is not considered a suspect at this time.
McGilton said state police have been called for further investigation and will be providing information to the public as it becomes available.
Earlier…
BREAKING, April 21, 2022, 11:49 p.m.: Stone County Sheriff Lance Bonds is urging residents to stay inside their homes and lock their doors late Thursday night as his department and the Arkansas State Police work two separate death investigations.
In a post on the department’s Facebook page, Bonds said the investigations are in the Ben area of the county.
The post said deputies “…are patrolling the area, and there is not an active shooter at this time.”
No other details are currently available.
White River Now will update this story as information develops.
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