Update (June 18):
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AR – A woman is under arrest for the murder of an elderly man whose body was found on Wednesday.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) says Carla Davidson, 53, faces charges of first degree murder and aggravated robbery.
She was arrested just hours after deputies started a suspicious death investigation after finding the body of Esbend Sheridan, 84.
According to a JCSO news release, Davidson was living with Sheridan’s ex-wife and also acting as her caregiver. Investigators say Davidson caused the death of Sheridan after stabbing him several times and running over him with her vehicle.
“There were some significant injuries to the face of the victim, which our investigators believed ultimately contributed to Sheridan’s death along with multiple stab wounds to his chest, some period of time after 9 p.m. on Tuesday…when the assault took place,” said Major Lafayette Woods, Jr., JCSO Public Information Officer in the news release.
Sheridan’s body was found in his backyard by Waste Management personnel.
The JCSO says When questioned, Davidson admitted stabbing Sheridan multiple times and hitting him across the face with what she described as a board. However, Davidson said she did not recall running over Sheridan after assaulting him. Davidson also admitted taking Sheridan’s wallet and phone after the attack.
Original story (June 17):
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AR – The body of an elderly man has been found on a highway in Jefferson County.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the body of Esbend Fred Sheridan, 84, was found in the 8200 block of Highway 79 South.
A preliminary investigation points to suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
Sheridan’s body will be sent to the Arkansas State Medical Examiner’s Office, where an autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause and manner of death.
A reward is being offered for anyone with information that can be used in solving this case.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Sergeant Mickey Buffkin at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at (870) 541-5496.