From the Greene County Sheriff:
As previously reported last week, deputies responded to a residence near the Finch community for a welfare check that resulted in locating two bodies. The bodies were that of a male and a female.
At approximately 9:08 a.m. on February 5th, deputies arrived on scene in the 1800 block of 716 Rd to check on the welfare of Rebecca Edwards, age 51 of Jonesboro. Edwards had not been heard from since February 2nd. She was the on again, off again girlfriend of Dewayne “Matt” Parnell, age 49 of the 716 Road address. Both Edwards’ and Parnell’s vehicles were at the residence, but no one answered any door when knocked upon. After several attempts, Sgt. Tanner Hill was able to stand on an HVAC unit and see inside the residence. Sgt. Hill observed a body lying in the floor. Entry was made into the residence at that time.
Once inside, deputies found Edwards and Parnell both deceased due to gunshot wounds. Edwards was found to have two gunshot wounds, one to the head and one to the chest. Parnell was found to have one gunshot wound to the head. Evidence at the scene indicated that Parnell’s gunshot wound was self-inflicted. Both bodies were sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab’s Medical Examiner for autopsy. Preliminary autopsy results received today for both of the deceased confirmed that this incident was a homicide/suicide.
This investigation will remain open pending the receipt of the full autopsy and toxicology reports for both subjects from the crime lab. No further details will be released at this time.
- Sheriff Brad Snyder