Sheriff describes fatal stabbing scene and 911 call for help
By Brett Rains
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FRANKLIN COUNTY, Arkansas (KHBS, KHOG) — The Franklin County sheriff says a double stabbing that left a man and woman dead was the most gruesome crime scene he has seen in office.
The Franklin County sheriff says a double stabbing that left a man and woman dead was the most gruesome crime scene he has seen since taking office.
Sheriff Johnny Crocker says the May 15, 2026, 911 call came from a woman reporting someone was beating and stabbing her friend inside a cabin on Cat Holler Road in rural Franklin County. He says the call ended after the caller said the suspect was coming for her and that he was killing her.
When deputies arrived, Crocker says they saw a man run inside the home. Deputies later found another man dead after being stabbed multiple times.
SWAT team members waited about an hour and a half before entering the home. Inside, Crocker says deputies found the suspect in a bathroom and struggled to take him into custody.
“They were doing everything they can to detain him, to get on a top position,” Crocker said. “Multiple deputies were getting on him and eventually heard, a deputy goes — he’s trying to get my gun, he has his hand on my gun.”
Crocker said the fight over the weapon lasted nearly a minute.
“You’re looking at a good 45 seconds to a minute of them fighting for that gun,” he said. “And he (suspect) had the opportunity to give himself up, but he chose not to. (Then) Another deputy reaches up and fires two rounds, and ends the situation.”
Deputies also found a woman inside the home, dead after being stabbed and slashed multiple times. The suspect died after being shot. Crocker says no deputies were injured.
Arkansas State Police are investigating. The deputy who fired his weapon has been placed on paid leave, which the sheriff says is standard procedure in an officer-involved shooting.
Crocker says the suspect had been staying with the couple for a few weeks before the killings. He also said investigators believe drugs may have played a role.
“I believe drugs were involved, and to act the way he did, I can’t see a normal human being doing that,” Crocker said. “160 pounds, a little-bitty-guy, but two hands on your pistol and you’re fighting for the rest of your life.”
Crocker has not yet released the names of those involved pending the state police investigation.
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