Sharp County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating the deaths of a woman and a man discovered inside a Smithville residence on Sunday, April 6, 2025.
Deputies responded to a welfare check at 59 Racoon Lane after a relative of Genevieve Whitt expressed concern for her wellbeing, stating they had not heard from her since the recent tornado activity.
Upon arrival, deputies observed two vehicles at the residence and attempted to make contact. Due to the circumstances, authorities forced entry into the home. Inside, they found Genevieve Whitt and her boyfriend, Danny Garner, deceased on the floor.
According to the sheriff’s office, Whitt appeared to have injuries consistent with being struck with a hammer on multiple parts of her body. Garner was found to have an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head.
The investigation revealed that Whitt and Garner had recently moved to the Racoon Lane address from Florida approximately three weeks prior to the incident.
Both individuals were transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for autopsies.
The Sharp County Sheriff’s Office stated that this is considered an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public.
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