murders in searcy, arkansas
Mike S. Allen, a native of Searcy, Arkansas, is a graduate of Harding University and Troy State University with degrees in print journalism and international relations. They didnt want to speak and we ask that you keep them in your prayers. The request comes more than a month after police were called out to multiple shootings that occurred within 30 minutes of each other. Relatives say former US Marine killed fighting in, What about Paul Whelan and Brittney Griner left in, Russia frees US Marine vet as part of prisoner exchange, Strike kills 50 at crowded Ukraine rail station, Pink Floyd members reunite and record song for Ukraine, US to send $100M more in military aid to Ukraine, Ukrainian poisonings kill 2 Russian soldiers: officials, Gov. In Downs v. State, 231 Ark. The appellant does not contend that the personnel file itself, or any part of it, was admissible in evidence. Those 12 are from surrounding states. Mrs. Murdaugh was found by her daughter lying in the doorway of the kitchen and dining room, with multiple wounds to the head. We will update this article with more information as it becomes available. Select your ideal criteria and let Scout do the rest. That is not enough to overcome all of the other evidence, including contrary expert opinions, to the effect that the appellant's waiver and his confession were voluntary acts of a conscious, intelligent mind. I have 12 more names that I am requesting to have DNA comparisons on. However, Dr. Rodgers did, according to Lester, state that he had several things on his mind that he wanted to talk to Lester about, but that the appellant did not feel like talking then. WebUPDATE: SEARCY, Ark. In addition, at all times the appellant was alert, responsive, and appeared to fully comprehend what was going on about him. Book was based on true story in Searcy AR. Please try your request again later. The appellant argues that the prosecution knew in advance of jury selection and trial that its evidence would not support a capital felony murder conviction. But, in the exercise of discretion, the necessity for a defendant's searching confidential matter must be weighed against the public policy of confidentiality or secrecy. After the trial, it was discovered that the reports of Dr. Daniel Taub relative to his examination and tests of the appellant had been omitted from the State Hospital file. Unable to add item to List. The fire was called in by a neighbor and it was determined by firefighters to have been set in multiple places. Growing up, she was religious and attended Harding University in the same city. WebOn the morning of September 26, 1974, the body of Fern Cowen Rodgers was discovered on the floor of her home in Searcy, Arkansas. However, there is simply no evidence, other than the appellant's testimony, to support this allegation. However, the most that can be said for the defense evidence on this point is that Dr. Rodgers was "confused". Listed below are the cases that are cited in this Featured Case. Here, the mandate of the statute is quite clear. Appellant was immediately informed by the police that he was a suspect in the murder of his wife. Lester expressly denies this and claims that the appellant's confession was completely voluntary. Cf. Marlin Dwayne Bradley lived at 2612 Eastline Road in Searcy and was married to Kisa Bradley. An investigation is underway. The appellant contends that the trial court erred by not granting a new trial because of newly discovered evidence consisting of a psychological report of Dr. Daniel Taub and the testimony of Dr. Taub. She holds a B.A. The facts and circumstances surrounding the confession will now be set forth in some detail. STATE of Arkansas, Appellee. Subject was found murdered in the Romance, Arkansas area May 9th, 1987. We have reviewed other objections made in the trial court and find none which merit reversal or further discussion. The authors did a great deal of research and give in-depth detail about the crime and trials without oversimplifying matters. Region 8 News will have more details as they become available. Cf. The search engine finds the neighborhoods that are the optimum fit to the set of criteria you choose. It is undisputed that the appellant did not consult with any attorney during the period of November 8 and 9. The 2019 Searcy Searcy police say they are investigating the incident as a homicide. The appellant describes the interview or interrogation itself in the following terms: The record reveals the following testimony by Officers Lester and/or Stevens contradictory to the Rodgers' version. Please take the time to watch this video and if you have any information, please contact us. Crime risk data are updated annually. Dr. Taub did not administer a complete battery of tests. (Supp. After talking with witnesses, deputies then began to develop Jacob Seth Varnell as a suspect in the case. Officer Lester, not the appellant, initiated the interview. WebArkansas parents, educators react to Texas elementary school massacre. Learn more. , 2 Hot Springs murder-suicide cases happen within, Kirby tornado nearly crushed familys home, LR Central High students protest LEARNS Act, Residents recover as storms destroy homes in Kirby, AR Food Hall of Fame events coming March 6, Summit Utilities CEO responds to customer concerns, Embattled UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigns, Zelensky: There will be two Victory Days in Ukraine. Upon arriving, the appellant was informed by Officer W. A. Tudor that he was a suspect in the capital felony murder investigation of his wife's death. Arnold v. State, 179 Ark. December 28, 1997. The next day, Kimberly Steele was reported missing by her parents who said that the last time they spoke with her was on September 12, 2011. Murder of an Elvis Girl: Solving the Jenny Maxwell Case, The Ghost: The Murder of Police Chief Greg Adams and the Hunt for His Killer, Wilder Intentions: Love, Lies and Murder in North Dakota, The Murder of Kelsey Berreth: A Shocking True Crime Story. Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call the Searcy Police Department at (501) 279-1038. , Print length Officials say after entry was made into the home, Stevens was found dead. Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2021. The interview was concluded at about 4:49 P.M., whereupon Lester immediately placed the appellant under arrest for the murder of Fern Rodgers. Citations are also linked in the body of the Featured Case. The appellant's counsel took advantage of neither alternative. The appellant then apparently, although he denies any recollection of it, made a statement to Lester which was incorporated in the confession. These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. We have concluded that the trial court's instructions were correct statements of the applicable law which fully and completely instructed the jury on the issues in question. Police arrested Christopher Coy Gamble, 32 in connection to the As stated, we have applied the standards set forth in Degler v. State, supra, in reviewing this confession and have held the confession to be admissible under those standards. Discuss Searcy, Arkansas (AR) on our hugely popular Arkansas forum. den. To establish the totality of the circumstances surrounding the confession, it is necessary to review that particular interview, as well as the two interviews immediately preceding it. Additional gift options are available when buying one eBook at a time. Indeed, all of the other evidence is to the effect that Dr. Rodgers was coherent, appeared to be alert, and seemed well aware of all that was going on about him before, during, and after his confession. Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Finally, all other evidence tending to support one of the above conflicting versions over the other is on the side of Officer Lester. On May 21, at 4:30 p.m., The Searcy Police Department served 26-year-old Hunter D. Bishop a warrant for Capital Murder Class Y Felony in connection to the murder of 23-year-old Madison Clevenger. Gender and Ethnic Affinity: Evaluations by a forensic anthropologist suggested the remains shared both classifications as male or female. WebAbout a month later, Rupert Barnett, son of the city marshal and reputed to have a violent temper, killed Mack Wilcox during a quarrel over a card game. Stevens was present during the entire interview. Now let us turn to take a look at how Searcy does for violent crimes specifically, and then how it does for property crimes. People v. Coleman, 75 Misc.2d 1090, 349 N.Y.S.2d 298 (1973). WebMaddison Clevenger, a 23-year-old Searcy paramedic, was found shot dead in her residence on Horton Street on May 15, 2020. However, we do not hold that Degler is necessarily the correct rule where, as here, the person making the confession was not in custody. ", - Mel Hanks, former television news journalist, - Chris Raff, Prosecuting Attorney, Arkansas 17th Judicial District (1983-2014), - Judge Mary McCall Cash, witness for the prosecution in the trials, ASIN Sanders declares state of emergency after storms, Embattled UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigns, Zelensky: There will be two Victory Days in Ukraine. Where is 2022 data? Deputies also found Pamela G. Varnell, 65, inside the home deceased due to injuries also consistent with stab wounds. Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations. : .orange-text-color {font-weight:bold; color: #FE971E;}View high quality images that let you zoom in to take a closer look. The three men engaged in idle conversation for a few minutes before the appellant stated, "Let's get on with the business." Web36 min Season 3, Episode 7: Arkansas True Crime: A Murder in Searcy The Unlovely Truth True Crime Sometimes criminals have ordinary lives. On the morning of Sept. 26, 1974, a housekeeper discovered the body of 67-year-old Fern Rodgers, wife of Dr. Porter Rodgers, Sr., a wealthy Searcy physician. Rather, it is argued that the information it would have revealed would have been useful in cross-examining Lester. Click the citation to see the full text of the cited case. According to police, officers were doing a welfare check at a house on the 300 block of N. Ella around 3:45 p.m. after a relative couldn't get anyone to answer the door. Treat v. State, 253 Ark. Property Marshals are searching for an 18-year-old man whos suspected in the murder of Eric Kalas. Chris Edwards advised that the skeletal remains had been identified as Robert Simmons who was a missing person out of Augusta, Arkansas. Miss Hale, who was also present, recalled the appellant stating to the officers that " he would contact his lawyer and get back in touch with them.". 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. The appellant entered pleas of not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity. 244, 21 L.Ed.2d 203. Mrs. Rodgers had been shot twice in the head. While there the appellant ordered lunch from the motel room service, which he and Lester ate in the room. An official investigation is still ongoing and no official cause of death has been announced for either person. On October 8, 1963, a Tuesday, Rubys son, Glen, had a broken washing machine. v. Sorry, there was a problem loading this page. 204, 451 S.W.2d 219 (1970). A subpoena duces tecum for all records relevant to the appellant's examination at the State Hospital was served on the State Hospital. Micah Pate was a young nurse in Bartlett who was killed by her husband in 2009. Enjoy a great reading experience when you borrow the Kindle edition of this book with your Kindle Unlimited membership. Police said that based on the evidence they have; it is believed that Ollis Jr. murdered his wife and then committed suicide. Something went wrong. Officers were called to check on 23-year-old Madison Clevenger because she was not showing up for work and answering her phone. The appellant knew that he had the right to remain silent and that he had the right to counsel during questioning. Over 3 million titles. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. When her daughter returned home around 10:00 p.m., Ruby was not there. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations. According to a news release, White County deputies along with officers of the Arkansas State Police and the Higginson Police Department arrested a 17-year-old Searcy youth March 17 and intended to file formal charges of : WebDeputies identified the victim as Tim Blackburn, 59, who was transported to a local hospital and later died. WebCrime in Searcy, Arkansas. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. : Last Seen in the Holly Springs, Arkansas area in April of 1999. This argument is without merit. Police say that based on evidence they have that Frank murdered his wife before committing suicide. In response, the State Hospital furnished its file on Dr. Rodgers. He was estranged from his wife and had lived in a local hotel for the five or six months preceding his wife's death. I wonder what Peggy and Berry are up to these days A true crime presentation of murder in a small town, Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2022. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Lester transcribed this confession in long-hand. People v. Coleman, 75 Misc.2d 1090, 349 N.Y.S.2d 298, supra; Commonwealth v. Dominico, 1 Mass.App. Regardless of whether Searcy does well or poorly compared to all other cities and towns in the US of all sizes, compared to places with a similar population, it fares badly. There we held, citing the Nail case, that the right to confront witnesses is not impaired unless the defendant is denied the right to question the doctors who examined him. After officers entered the home, Clevenger was found dead. By purchasing this title, you agree to Audible's, Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at. The confession was given freely and voluntarily. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Lester then asked the appellant to tell him what had happened from the beginning, whereupon the appellant related the circumstances of his wife's murder. Unlimited reading. Methodology: Even if we assume that appellant was not aware of the identity of all those who had examined and tested him, we do not know why a timely direct inquiry as to their identity, independent of the subpoena duces tecum, would not have led to the information ultimately discovered after trial. Additionally, all information can be given anonymously. It contained no statements which would tend to incriminate the appellant. She was found dead inside the home. Thereafter, his freedom was not restricted in any manner and the police did not seek to again interview him for several hours. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Arkansas MLK Commission gathers in Selma, Alabama, Two Hot Springs murder-suicide cases happen within, Tom Sizemore, Saving Private Ryan actor, dies at, Just proud we survived it; Storms destroy homes, Arkansas parents, educators react to Texas elementary school massacre, Best smart home devices for older users, according, How to get started on spring cleaning early, according, Worried about your student using ChatGPT for homework? . Web"A Murder in Searcy," by Deana Hamby Nall and Mike S. Allen, is a meticulously reported look into the slaying of Rodgers, who was found dead at her grand home on Race Avenue in Lester stated that he would be glad to talk to the appellant and they agreed to meet at noon that day in Room 124 of the Kings Inn Motel. I was a student in college at the time of trial. Lester and the appellant ate lunch in the room, at the suggestion of the appellant, and watched a football game on television. The appellant then affixed his signature to each page of the confession. I attended college in Searcy beginning in the fall of 1978 and there was still a great deal of talk about the murder of Fern Rogers. See Turner v. State, 258 Ark. Stevens then suggested that Lester read it aloud to the appellant. Dr. Rodgers was then confronted with statements of Hale and Kimbrell, which had been recorded electronically and transcribed. This occurred at approximately 3:00 A.M. the morning of November 9. 228, 424 S.W.2d 856, cert. The NeighborhoodScout search engine is covered under US Patents No. WebTwo unsolved Ozarks murders are back in the news this week. I had never before heard of the Porter murder case and found myself intrigued from the start of this book. Additional gift options are available when buying one eBook at a time. This was done. This case is still an active cold case. 70, 328 S.W.2d 836 (1959). At about 4:12 pm, Marty was found dead in his home. U.S. v. Olin Mathieson Chemical Corporation, D.C., 36 F.R.D. The next police interview with the appellant occurred during the early morning hours of November 9. Still, the trial court has some discretion in the matter of discovery when impeaching matter is concerned. 335 (1952). Prior to that interview the police investigators had obtained statements from both Hale and Kimbrell which implicated them, together with the appellant, in the murder of Mrs. Rodgers. On August 6, 1994 at about 3:30 am, Kisa and the children left the residence without Marty to go to Louisiana. NeighborhoodScout provides exclusive crime risk analytics for every neighborhood in America with up to 98% predictive accuracy. And further, before any such subsequent interview was commenced, Dr. Rodgers was again advised of his rights and willingly signed a written waiver of those rights. 142, 412 S.W.2d 279 (1967). Please try again. Police arrested Christopher Coy Gamble, 32 in connection to the homicide. 7,043,501 and 7,680,859. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. We hold that is not the rule in a non-custodial interrogation. : On the night of September 25, 1974, Fern Rodgers was shot and killed at her home in Searcy. EVENTS. No question is raised in this appeal relative to the procedures followed by the trial court in determining the admissibility of the confession. NorthStar EMS responded and transported Mr. Varnell to the White County Unity Hospital Emergency Room where he received emergency medical treatment for his injuries, White County deputies said. Gen., Little Rock, for appellee. The appellant was, of course, convicted of a lesser charge, murder in the first degree. Dr. Kozberg testified that when he first reviewed the appellant's file, it was his opinion that Dr. Taub's psychological testing was incomplete. It is undisputed that the disciplinary action was in another case and was totally unrelated to the Rodgers' murder investigation. If you have any information, call the Searcy Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 501-279-1038. Since defense counsel was permitted a wide latitude in cross-examination and had drawn admissions from the witness which could be taken as damaging to his credibility, we are unable to say that the trial court erred to the prejudice of appellant. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Instead it is alleged that the confession was not the product of a conscious mind and was, therefore, involuntary. WebSearcy Police Department What: Confirms shooting incident to be murder-suicide, identifies victim, assailant Who: Josh Acevedo, 31, of Bald Knob and Cody Benton, 24, of Judsonia Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low crime) to 100 (high crime) Searcy violent crime is 18.1. Police said the check was made due to her not showing up to work as well as not answering her phone. The appellant made a tacit admission of his involvement in the murder, as well as a specific request for the assistance of an attorney. Alarmed, Mary Claire called the police. Few other communities of this size have a crime rate as high as Searcy. Dr. Douglas Stevens, a clinical psychologist, testified for the appellant by stipulation that the appellant's waiver of rights signed at 3:10 P.M. on November 9, " Would have been the product of confusion, it would not have been the product of intelligence and understanding." Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2022, Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2022. Unbelievable what happens right under your nose in a sleepy college town. To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. The appellant entered pleas of not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity. However, three other policemen and a motel waitress were in and out of the room during the afternoon for periods of a few minutes each. The State, it is argued, used this charge to allow it to qualify a death penalty jury. Jim Guy Tucker, Atty. During the course of the interview, the appellant told the officers that he wanted to talk to his lawyer before he made any definite statement relative to his wife's death. According to NeighborhoodScout's analysis of FBI reported crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of one of these crimes in Searcy is one in 149. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 367, 486 S.W.2d 16; Williams v. State, 252 Ark. We have reviewed the record relative to the confession according to the standard established in Degler v. State, 257 Ark. 1289, 482 S.W.2d 810; Cooper v. State, 246 Ark. Victim: Identified as Robert Simmons in May 2014. He was later arrested at a house on Highway 258, outside Bald Knob. The trial court gave four instructions related to the jury's consideration of the appellant's confession. Lester did not interrogate the appellant, or even discuss the case, at any time at the motel or during the ride to the prosecuting attorney's office. At the request of the appellant he was also permitted to personally confront Miss Hale, who confirmed to the appellant that she had made the statement to the police. When officers arrived at the scene, they said they found 36-year-old Frank Vincent Ollis, V Jr. and 23-year The perpetrator forcibly entered the back door of the residence and brutally beat Mrs. Murdaugh. Web On May 21, at 4:30 p.m., The Searcy Police Department served 26-year-old Hunter D. Bishop a warrant for Capital Murder Class Y Felony in connection to the murder of 23 The appellant now brings to this Court eight points on which he relies for reversal. ", A psychologist and a psychiatrist, Dr. John Althoff and Dr. Oscar Kozberg, also testified by stipulation for the State. Police say they found several puncture wounds on his body. Leagle.com reserves the right to edit or remove comments but is under no obligation to do so, or to explain individual moderation decisions. Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app. However, the photographs were material, relevant and accurate. Mike is a husband, father and friend who enjoys working and living in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web. To me Porter Rodgers hospital was a creepy, dilapidated old building that looked like something from the set of a horror movie and indeed was used as a haunted house for at least one Halloween that I can remember. The appellant had served on the State Racing Commission, was actively engaged in a farming enterprise, and was active in the breeding and showing of walking horses. However, we would point out that Dr. Rodgers' version does not, in fact, place the confession within the framework of the classic coerced confession cases. The incident is being investigated as a homicide. Accordingly, we hold that no error was committed by the trial court in instructing the jury. Violent Crime Comparison (per 1,000 residents), Property Crime Comparison (per 1,000 residents). Shortly thereafter, the appellant appeared at the White County Courthouse and sought to arrange a bond for her release. Allen and Nall do an excellent job fleshing out the shocking and sensational details from so long ago. Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Appellant's only argument is that the conduct of the police in obtaining the confession, considered in light of all the other circumstances, was such as to compel exclusion of the confession for the stated reasons. (WMC-TV) - The family of a nurse who was murdered by her husband is transforming the tragic loss into a big lesson for others. Approximately two weeks later Mrs. Rodgers' husband, Porter R. Rodgers, Sr., the appellant herein, was charged in her death with capital felony murder. Jesus Silvia was a 39 year-old Hispanic male from Jacksonville who was reported missing on Wednesday, June 9, 2004. Discover your neighborhood's best match, anywhere. The 68-year-old socialite was murdered, Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group. Lester finally asked the appellant if he was ready to talk to him. The appellant merely argues that the jury so qualified would be prosecution oriented to the extent that it could not fairly pass on the issue of guilt or innocence. New evidence, in order to justify a new trial, must be such as to render a different result in such new trial "probable." Ketia Daniel, founder of BHM Cleaning Co., is BestReviews cleaning expert. The appellant was again informed of his rights, specifically that he had the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present during the interview. WebMicah Denise Rine was born and raised in Searcy, Arkansas. The appellant next requested that he be permitted to employ his own court reporter. WebSEARCY, Ark. WebJames Waybern Hall: The murderer known as "Big Jim" killed 4 people, including his wife, in Arkansas between 1944 and 1945. John Webster Batton, age 43, of Searcy, Ark., died Friday, February 24, 2023. , X-Ray .orange-text-color {font-weight:bold; color: #FE971E;}Enjoy features only possible in digital start reading right away, carry your library with you, adjust the font, create shareable notes and highlights, and more. Jacob Seth Varnell is scheduled to appear in court Monday for a probable cause hearing. In summary, Dr. Rodgers testified that he was threatened, mistreated, and abused by Officer Lester and that he does not remember making the statements that went into his confession. Each gave the opposite opinion from that of the defense experts. Her body has been sent to the state crime lab to determine what happened @KARK4News @FOX16News pic.twitter.com/XmkxSeucxf. , 2 Hot Springs murder-suicide cases happen within, Kirby tornado nearly crushed familys home, LR Central High students protest LEARNS Act, Residents recover as storms destroy homes in Kirby, Summit Utilities CEO responds to customer concerns, Gov. That is not an issue here because it is admitted that no one connected with the investigation or the prosecution of the appellant was ever aware of the existence of Dr. Taub or his report until after completion of the trial herein. How much help are American volunteers in Ukraine? Reports indicate that he was killed by William E. Brundidge (sometimes referred to as Brundridge or Bundridge) and two other alleged members of the Ku Klux Klan. Does this item contain quality or formatting issues? The omission of that report was strictly on an internal decision of the State Hospital staff which was never revealed to the prosecution. This is possible by associating the 9.4 million reported crimes in the U.S, including over 2 million geocoded point locations. Dr. Kozberg felt that a complete battery of tests should be done. 425, 527 S.W.2d 580; State v. Miller, 35 Wis.2d 454, 151 N.W.2d 157 (1967). Violent offenses tracked included rape, murder and non-negligent manslaughter, armed robbery, and aggravated assault, including assault with a deadly weapon. Stevens remained with Lester and the appellant until the statement was completed. If a photograph sheds light on any issue; or if it assists witnesses to better describe a crime scene; or if it in some other way materially helps the jury to understand the testimony; then its admissibility into evidence is within the sound discretion of the trial court. There is no need to further lengthen this opinion by repeating these instructions. 466, 330 S.W.2d 281 (1959), this court addressed the issue of the right of confrontation. WebOn the morning of September 26, 1974, the body of Fern Cowen Rodgers was discovered on the floor of her home in Searcy, Arkansas. Compare Searcy crime data to The appellant's organic brain syndrome was mild to moderate, and was certainly not severe. This, the trial court may do by an in camera inspection of the material sought. The appellant's testimony contained allegations of police misconduct which at first glance seem to raise questions related to a coerced confession. This was believed to be a trip he was going to make to Louisiana to spend time with Kisa and their children. According to police, officers were called to the 300 block of N. A man has been arrested in connection to a homicide that happened on August 17. 1975). Importantly, we found that Searcy has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation according to our analysis of FBI crime data.