UPDATE 1: 15 P.M.
The Pine Bluff Police Department has identified the victim of Sunday’s homicide as 42-year-old Steven Sanson of Pine Bluff. Sanson’s family was located Tuesday morning and notification was made.
53-year-old Johnny Smithwick was arrested Monday afternoon and has been charged with 1st Degree Murder in this case.
UPDATE 5:20 P.M.
Pine Bluff detectives have arrested 53-year-old Johnny Smithwick for this murder. Smithwick has served time in the Arkansas Department of Corrections for previous charges.
According to court documents, Smithwick has been convicted on four or more felonies. Additionally, there is an active bench warrant for his arrest for one count of theft by receiving with a value of more than $5,000 but less than $25,000. This warrant was signed by Circuit Court Judge Jodi Dennis on March 17, 2022.
The victim’s name has not been released due to authorities not being able to locate the next of kin. Once notification is made the victim’s name will be released by local authorities.
ORIGINAL STORY:
The Pine Bluff Police Department is investigating a shooting that left one person dead.
Shortly before 11:00 p.m. officers responded to 5511 Mosley in reference to a shooting. When officers arrived they found a male lying in the driveway of this residence. The male was pronounced dead at the scene by a Jefferson County Deputy Coroner.
The investigation is in the early stages and there are no reported suspects at this time.
Anyone with information on this homicide is asked to call the detective office at 870-730-2090 or the dispatch center at 870-541-5300.
The victim’s identity will be released once family has been located and notified of the death.
The body will be taken to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death.
This is the 6th homicide for Pine Bluff in 2022.
