Deputies Call Off Search for Human Remains along Ouachita River
By: Josh Berry
Updated: March 4, 2013
Update: After more than 24 hours, the search was called off as deputies came up empty handed in their investigation following a tip about human remains buried.
Original Story:
The Hot Spring County Sheriff's Office says remains found, followed by a tip that there could be more human remains buried in the area, brought them and other agencies out conducting a search that started about 8 Saturday (3/2) morning.
Deputies set up a command center in the middle of an area near the Ouachita River along HWY 84 and sealed it off with yellow crime tape.
Detective Jeremy Bennett explained, "We had some information that there may be a remains of a human out here."
Following a tip, decked out in boots and waders, deputies investigated information that led them to believe human remains were buried in the woods near the Rockport bridge along HWY 84 just on the outskirts of Malvern.
"We've done a thorough search of the area," Det. Bennett added. "We're trying to make sure that we don't leave any stone unturned."
For help they called in cadaver dogs from Lonoke County and Memphis.
Sets of remains already found and initially thought to be human turned out to be animal remains.
Also, initial reports of several bodies buried proved false however, they say they will continue searching.
As the sun set on the crime scene Saturday night the Sheriff's Office says they'd rather be safe than sorry.
"Until we get a thorough search done," Det. Bennett remarked. "We'll leave then."
He says they'll likely be there through Saturday night and into Sunday trying to make sure they don't miss anything.
They claimed the public should have no reason for concern as the area they're searching is a pretty isolated place.
Original Story:
The Hot Spring County Sheriff's Office says remains found, followed by a tip that there could be more human remains buried in the area, brought them and other agencies out conducting a search that started about 8 Saturday (3/2) morning.
Deputies set up a command center in the middle of an area near the Ouachita River along HWY 84 and sealed it off with yellow crime tape.
Detective Jeremy Bennett explained, "We had some information that there may be a remains of a human out here."
Following a tip, decked out in boots and waders, deputies investigated information that led them to believe human remains were buried in the woods near the Rockport bridge along HWY 84 just on the outskirts of Malvern.
"We've done a thorough search of the area," Det. Bennett added. "We're trying to make sure that we don't leave any stone unturned."
For help they called in cadaver dogs from Lonoke County and Memphis.
Sets of remains already found and initially thought to be human turned out to be animal remains.
Also, initial reports of several bodies buried proved false however, they say they will continue searching.
As the sun set on the crime scene Saturday night the Sheriff's Office says they'd rather be safe than sorry.
"Until we get a thorough search done," Det. Bennett remarked. "We'll leave then."
He says they'll likely be there through Saturday night and into Sunday trying to make sure they don't miss anything.
They claimed the public should have no reason for concern as the area they're searching is a pretty isolated place.
