As a result of the continuing and ongoing investigation into the arson at 447 CR 508 in Midway that was initiated on Saturday evening, November 7th, Investigators this afternoon discovered human remains while searching through the debris of the burned house. 

     These remains were removed from the scene by the Baxter County Coroner’s Office.  They will be transported Wednesday to the Arkansas State Medical Examiner’s Office in Little Rock for forensic analysis.  Until the preliminary results of that examination are completed, an identification of the remains will not be possible.

     Investigators with the Sheriff’s Office and Arkansas State Police are continuing with their investigation into what has now officially become a homicide.  Authorities are examining all evidence and following-up on all leads and tips in an exhaustive effort to identify suspect(s) in these crimes.

     Additional information will be released from time to time as the course of the investigation allows for it, although no additional release will be made until after the initial autopsy results have been completed.  The Sheriff’s Office renews its request for anyone having information or knowledge about the case to report it to the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division, the Sheriff’s anonymous tip-line at (870) 424-INFO (4636), or to the Arkansas State Police at (870) 741-2140.

/s/ John F. Montgomery,
Baxter County Sheriff