LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas State Police have issued the following news release regarding the human remains found in a burning car in Phillips County:
Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the death of an individual whose body was found inside the trunk of a car destroyed by fire early Friday morning.
At approximately 12:30 a.m., residents of the Poplar Grove community west of Helena reported hearing an explosion and seeing flames in a wooded area about one-quarter mile south of U.S. Highway 49.
The reports directed Phillips County Sheriff’s Deputies to the remains of a car destroyed by fire.
Further investigation caused the deputies to look inside the trunk, where badly burned human remains were found.
Positive identification of the body has not been confirmed from an investigation ongoing at the State Crime Laboratory. A medical examiner’s report will also provide to State Police Special Agents a cause and manner of death.
State Police Special Agents are continuing to investigate and have arrested Eric Dewayne Speaks, Jr. of Poplar Grove. Speaks is charged with capital murder, kidnapping and arson.
An arrest warrant was obtained by State Police Special Agents for 23-year-old Daron Lee Nelson of Marvell, who is also charged with capital murder, kidnapping and arson.
Nelson was arrested Saturday evening at Squire Point Apartment Complex in the 5100 block of Geyer Springs Road at approximately 5:40.
Nelson surrendered to State Police Special Agents, Little Rock Police Officers and U.S. Marshals.
The investigation continues regarding the murder and Nelson’s connection to the Little Rock apartment where he was arrested.
Continuing Coverage:
Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the death of an individual whose body was found inside the trunk of a car destroyed by fire early Friday morning.
At approximately 12:30 a.m., residents of the Poplar Grove community west of Helena reported hearing an explosion and seeing flames in a wooded area about one-quarter mile south of U.S. Highway 49.
The reports directed Phillips County Sheriff’s Deputies to the remains of a car destroyed by fire.
Further investigation caused the deputies to look inside the trunk, where badly burned human remains were found.
Positive identification of the body has not been confirmed from an investigation ongoing at the State Crime Laboratory. A medical examiner’s report will also provide to State Police Special Agents a cause and manner of death.
State Police Special Agents are continuing to investigate and have arrested Eric Dewayne Speaks, Jr. of Poplar Grove. Speaks is charged with capital murder, kidnapping and arson.
An arrest warrant was obtained by State Police Special Agents for 23-year-old Daron Lee Nelson of Marvell, who is also charged with capital murder, kidnapping and arson.
Nelson was arrested Saturday evening at Squire Point Apartment Complex in the 5100 block of Geyer Springs Road at approximately 5:40.
Nelson surrendered to State Police Special Agents, Little Rock Police Officers and U.S. Marshals.
The investigation continues regarding the murder and Nelson’s connection to the Little Rock apartment where he was arrested.
Continuing Coverage:
