Six individuals have been charged in connection with the 2025 death of a resident at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center, as records detail multiple failures in staff response and facility procedures.
According to court records filed in Bradley County, Chekiona Jones, Marquez Williams, Karen Furlough, Neeyo Harding, Mark Thomas and Victor Booker each face two counts of manslaughter and neglect of a vulnerable person in the death of 21-year-old Zachary Moore.
Moore died Sept. 7, 2025, while in the care of the state-run facility following what officials previously described as a behavioral incident involving both physical and chemical restraints.
A federal survey conducted after the incident identified widespread deficiencies at the facility, including failures in staff training, communication and adherence to established protocols.
The report cited the facility’s governing body for failing to ensure staff were properly informed of behavioral plans and adequately trained in restraint procedures. Investigators also found a lack of consistent oversight and leadership coordination.
The findings further detailed breakdowns in client protections, including failures to prevent abuse or ensure timely reporting of incidents. The facility was also cited for not providing adequate psychological support to residents who witnessed traumatic events.
According to the report, Moore had significant behavioral challenges and required one-on-one supervision. His care plan included specific interventions, such as the use of a protective helmet and de-escalation strategies, before resorting to physical restraint.
However, investigators found staff did not consistently follow those interventions. Reviews indicated staff moved quickly to physical restraint without fully attempting de-escalation techniques and at times used improper restraint methods, including placing pressure on Moore while he was face down.
The report also found a chemical restraint was administered after Moore had been restrained, raising questions about whether he remained a threat at the time.
Emergency responders later found Moore unresponsive, and he was pronounced dead after lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful.
The Arkansas Department of Human Services previously acknowledged staff failed to follow protocol and took disciplinary action, including placing multiple employees on administrative leave, terminating one employee and appointing an interim superintendent.
Under Arkansas law, manslaughter carries a penalty of three to 10 years in prison, while neglect of a vulnerable person is punishable by up to six years in prison. Both charges may include fines of up to $10,000.
All six defendants are scheduled to appear in court March 30.
