Update (Feb. 25):
MAUMELLE, AR – The Maumelle Police Department (MPD) says it considers a double murder-suicide case closed after receiving an autopsy report.
In a news release this morning, the MPD said it had received preliminary autopsy results from the Arkansas State Crime Lab which found that James Wilbanks committed suicide.
The MPD says it’s not looking for suspects in killings of the wife and sister of Wilbanks in their home on Auriel Circle.
The deaths were discovered after a fire inside their home which police have said was intentionally set.
Update (Feb. 23.):
MAUMELLE, AR – We’re learning new information about a double murder-suicide in Maumelle over the weekend.
A source close to the investigation has told KARK4’s Drew Petrimoulx that UALR professor James Wilbanks is believed to be the shooter based on evidence at the scene. However, investigators are awaiting autopsy results to confirm that.
Wilbanks’ wife, sister and two dogs were also found shot to death inside the burning home.
Original Story (Feb. 21):
MAUMELLE, AR — Maumelle Police are investigating the shooting deaths of three people on Auriel Circle Friday night.
The three have been identified as James, Tatiana, and Elizabeth Wilbanks.
Firefighters found the man and two women after responding to a fire at their home just before 10 p.m. Friday.
Dr. James Wilbanks, 41 was an Assistant Professor of Management at UALR.
The women were his wife and sister.
A spokesperson for the Maumelle Police say the investigation is ongoing.
The initial findings, according to Maumelle Police, indicate an apparent arson and a double murder-suicide.
Two dogs were also found shot to death inside the house.
The home was significantly damaged by the fire.
