Update: Man Arrested in Faulkner County Homicide Case

HOLLAND, AR — Authorities have made an arrest in the beating death of a Faulkner County man.

Travis Watson, 44, of Clinton was taken into custody Saturday morning.

According to the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office, Watson is being questioned in the death of James “Buddy” Land, 49. 

Land’s body was found by two children Tuesday night at a home in the 600 block of Highway 287 in Holland.

There is no word yet on the specific charges.

FAULKNER COUNTY, AR — Family members of a man murdered in Faulkner County say two six-year-old boys were inside the home when the crime happened. 

Deputies are still searching for the suspect, who was out on probation at the time of the killing.

Family members say they’re confused about why this happened and with children watching.

“There was no reason for this what so ever,” said the victim’s sister, Teleia Abbott.

James Buddy Land was celebrating his 49th birthday at his Holland home Tuesday night when his sister says things took a tragic turn.

“It’s just horrible. I think we are in shock,” she said.

Investigators say Land was beaten to death and their prime suspect is Travis Watson.

The victim’s family members say Watson’s son was one of two children inside the home when Land was killed.

“They knew something was seriously wrong and they knew to go to the closest house, so that’s what they did and I’m really proud of them for that,” she added.

The boys ran to a neighbor’s house, who called 911. However, Land died before he could be taken to the hospital.

The Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office is investigating this case, but right now they’re main focus is on finding Watson.

“We don’t think he’s in the area at this point, but we are going to provide extra patrol and extra officers out there just in case,” said Chief Deputy Matt Rice.

Rice says they believe Watson is driving a tan, small 4-door car with one red door. Detectives believe him to be in the Clinton or White County area.

Rice said, “He is considered armed and dangerous at this point, so don’t approach him. Call us and let us know where he may be.”

Land’s family members say they hope the suspect is tracked down soon, so no one else will be hurt.

“I don’t know what happened and we may never know what happened during the moment, but it was a deliberate act that’s for sure,” Abbott said.

Family members say Land and the suspect knew each other through a mutual friend. However, they have no idea why Lane was killed. Detectives say they too are still looking into the motive for this case.

As for the boys in the home, we’re told they were scared and even hid in a closet before running to a neighbor’s house to get help. The neighbor called 911. The children were not hurt.