UPDATE:Sheriff Mike Knoedl tells Deltaplex News that suspect Ladarius Deshon Johnson has been transferred to another detention facility because a family member of the victim is currently housed in the Dallas County Jail.
The Dallas County jail log reflects Johnson as being released, but authorities confirm the entry is related to the transfer and not an actual release from custody.
ORIGINAL STORY:
A Pine Bluff man has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred early Sunday morning during a birthday party in Fordyce, according to Dallas County Sheriff Mike Knoedl.
Sheriff Knoedl announced that Ladarius Deshon Johnson, of Pine Bluff, is now in custody in the death of Jerron Rayford, who was killed during the gathering. Authorities say Rayford was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a statement released Tuesday, Fordyce Police Chief Chad Hubanks described the shooting as a “senseless” act of violence that claimed the life of a young man. He said investigators from the Fordyce Police Department and the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office began working leads immediately following the incident.
The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division was later asked to assist in building a strong case, according to Hubanks. Authorities say that collaborative effort led to the identification of Johnson as the suspect.
A warrant for Johnson’s arrest was issued and signed by a circuit judge Tuesday afternoon. The U.S. Marshals Service then apprehended Johnson on behalf of local authorities.
“This was not an easy case to investigate, given the lack of cooperation from those in attendance during the incident,” Sheriff Knoedl said in a separate statement. He credited the Fordyce Police Department, Arkansas State Police, and U.S. Marshals Service for their teamwork throughout the investigation.
Knoedl said Johnson will remain in jail until his first court appearance.
Additional details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting have not yet been released.
