Sheriff addresses leak of information in Fulton County double homicide case

The Arkansas State Police (ASP) say the investigation into the October 21 double homicide in Fulton County remains active and ongoing.

According to a release from the ASP, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office requested that state police lead the investigation into the deaths. The ASP Criminal Investigation Division will release additional information when it is considered appropriate.

Fulton County Sheriff Jake Smith issued a statement addressing what he described as “confusion surrounding information released during the early stages” of the case.

Sheriff Smith confirmed that early in the investigation, a “be on the lookout” (BOLO) notice was issued through the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) to law enforcement agencies. The BOLO contained “highly sensitive and confidential investigative facts and information about a person of interest,” according to Smith.

However, Smith said that information from the BOLO “was unlawfully released to a local media outlet, which published confidential information, directly hampering the investigation.”

He emphasized that law enforcement agencies routinely withhold certain details during active investigations “to preserve the integrity of cases, to prevent the destruction or concealment of evidence, and to thwart subjects involved in investigations from eluding law enforcement.”

Smith also assured residents that there was no heightened danger to the public at any point during the investigation.

“I want to reassure the public that investigators with my office and Arkansas State Police agreed that there was no elevated risk to the public that would necessitate the public release of information about the person of interest in this case,” he said.

Sheriff Smith concluded his statement by expressing his commitment to seeking justice for the victims, identified as Tonya and Ashley Stallings.

“As your sheriff, my focus will remain on honoring Tonya and Ashley Stallings by doing what is necessary to provide answers to their family and bring their killer to justice,” Smith said.

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