Arkansas State Police confirms remains found in 1989 identified as Vilonia man

VILONIA, Ark. – Arkansas State Police has confirmed that remains found more than 30 years ago have been identified as a man from Vilonia.

ASP officials said the remains were identified as 30-year-old Karl Brian Hooten. Hooten’s remains were found on April 20, 1989, off Swinging Bridge Road in Antioch.

Special agents said an autopsy performed at the Arkansas State Crime Lab determined that Hooten had been shot.

Hooten lived in Faulkner County at the time of his death, investigators said.

State troopers said Hooten’s DNA was submitted in 2024 to the Othram forensic lab in Texas where scientists developed a comprehensive DNA profile.

In 2025, special agents said test results alerted investigators to potential familial DNA matches with the victim’s remains, which led to the identification of Hooten on June 13.

Deputies with the White County Sheriff’s Office and ASP are continuing to investigate the case. Anyone who knew Hooten or has information on his death is asked to contact ASP at 870-931-0043 or the White County Sheriff’s Office at 501-279-6279.