18-year-old arrested in man’s murder

INDEPENDENCE COUNTY, Ark. (KAIT) - Sheriff’s deputies arrested an 18-year-old man suspected of killing another man.

Independence County Sheriff Shawn Stephens said deputies responded Wednesday to a home on West Wright Street in Sulphur Rock.

When they arrived, deputies found 49-year-old Jason Anderson dead.

“Throughout the investigation of the death, investigators determined the death to be suspicious,” Stephens said.

Detectives identified 18-year-old Matthew Speakman as a suspect and arrested him.

Speakman is being held in the Independence County Detention Center awaiting the filing of formal charges.

With the death, Sulpher Rock citizens are left on edge but aren’t surprised by the news.

“It does concern us, but honestly and truly, nothing surprises me out here in Sulpher Rock. It’s the most lawless municipality if ever seen in my life,” said Daniel and Billie Siau.

The two are asking for better patrols in the area.

“They say they get a marshal, they say they get this. We don’t ever see them.”

Copyright 2023 KAIT. All rights reserved.