Monticello Live

Due to govermental regulations, our current 911 system must be repoaced by the end of the year.
Currently 95% of 911 calls are placed by cell phones.
The estimated cost will be around $213,000.

Defendant Testified about Night of Shooting
Prosecution Cross-examines Shooter about Guns, Witnesses
Defendant’s Wife – “Yes, He Threatened to Kill Me, & He Set My House on Fire”
Closing Arguments – Final Thoughts from Both Sides
The Verdict is “Not Guilty” of Murder
Briggs Pleads Guilty to Felon in Possession of a Firearm- Gets 10 Year Sentence

Murder Trial Underway
“They Both Used Drugs.” – Prosecution
Victim’s Wife takes Witness Stand 
 “As soon as the door closed, gunshots.”
Responding Officers Describe Shooting Scene
Shooting Witness takes Witness Stand
MPD Investigator on Crime Scene, Guns, Etc.
State Crime Lab – “11 Gunshot Wounds” – State Rests at 4 pm

Shortly after midnight, Saturday night, Monticello police responded to a call on Dillard Street, leading to the arrest of a Little Rock man for shooting of a Monticello man.

(more…)

Murder Trial Underway

Jury Selection Stirs Emotions in Murder Trial

Testimony Begins, with History of Earlier Events

Witnesses Called to Testify

State Police Investigator & Recording of Intetview

State Crime Lab Experts, DNA & Evidence

Cell Phone Contact Between Suspect & Deceased

State Rests – Defense Calls Deputy, Father, & Dr.

Defense Rests after Dr.’s Testimony

Prosecution’s Closing Argument

Defense’s Closing Argument

Guilty of Manslaughter & Abuse of Corpse.

Hackett Sentenced to 20 Years & $20,000 Fines

According to the AshleyCountyLedger.com, the Ashley County Sheriff’s Department is seeking a warrant against a Monticello woman accusing her of communicating a false alarm.

(more…)

(more…)

(more…)

On October 29, 2012, Elizabeth Ann Davis, age 66 of Warren, was waiting for a train to pass, at the Wilmar train crossing, when suddenly her life came to an end, as a loaded asphalt truck barreling down the highway behind her crashed into her mini-van, killing her instantly.

(more…)

(more…)

To emphasize the GoFundMe project to support former Drew County Deputy Jeremy Chapman, MLive is posting the actual video of the shooting (with his permission) to help more people realize the seriousness of the events, that night.

Sunday morning, around 3:30, while most of the county was sleeping, the Sheriff’s Dept. began a manhunt for a jail escapee from Fordyce, who had been convicted of Murder, in 1998. The search continued until 11 am, Monday, with most offiers only getting around 3-4 hours sleep.

Monticello Police officers joined the search a couple of hours later, and they also were past midnight, working to apprehend the felon, who was a threat to the town they serve and protect. They also put the needs of residents in front of their own.

When Tuesday’s wildfire was reported, our Monticello Fire Dept., along with the Arkansas Forestry Commission, battled the blaze for over 6 hours, as the fire changed directions, as the wind changed several times, in the smoke and fire and fumes.

We need to recognize how valuable our first responders are to our community; keeping us safe, regardless of the threat that they are protecting us from.

Minutes after 11 AM, the Dallas County jail escapee was taken into custody in a joint operation by DCSO, MPD, ASP and other agencies.

(more…)

The annual state wide pill take back was held September 26th at the Walmart (more…)

Although City Attorney Witt Barton has recieved several friendly comments, such as, “I didn’t know you were that old,” the Barton Law Firm earned credit in Arkansas Business, this week, for being the 2nd oldest law firm in the state of Arkansas.

Its rich history, began in 1875, with its founders, W. F. Slemmons and William T. Wells.

According to prosecuting attorney Thomas Deen, Monday, a  southeast Arkansas man  accepted a guilty plea  to the charge of first-degree murder of a 33 year old McGehee woman.

(more…)

According to Sheriff Mark Gober, on August 25, 2015, Deputy Bo Sanderlin, while on duty near Wilmar observed a vehicle eastbound on Hwy 278, with a broken tail light.

(more…)

Jeauxuf Keating, age 21 of Bastrop, LA, was the subject of several (very brief) high speed pursuits, Tuesday afternoon, as he flew his Honda 600 “crotch rocket” motorcycle through Lincoln, Drew, and Ashley Counties.
(more…)

A 21-year-old man was arrested, Monday afternoon, shortly after 4:15, for crashing the Cadillac SUV he was driving  into the DHS office on HWY 425 North.

(more…)

As whatever is going to happen, Saturday draws near,  local residents are agreeing that it doesn’t belong in Drew County, and not taking sides about who is right.

In an earlier “summary” of a potential out-of-town group meeting, MLive did not use their accepted name or initials.  Again, this report will not do so, in order to “Google proof” the article.

(more…)

A 42 year old Monticello woman was arrested by Monticello Police, Tuesday night, after they responded to Jenkins Quick Check on HWY 278 East, to the report of a hit & run driver knocking a gas-pump onto another car.

(more…)

A former city council member, who was also a candidate for the mayor’s position, will be in District Court, next week, on charges stemming from “harrassing” actions, statements, and texts, that he allegedly made or sent to 2 female UAM students.

(more…)

Below is the video from last year’s theft.

Early Friday morning, two suspects used a concrete block to enter the front window at the Leprechaun’s Pawn Shop, on West Gaines St.

(more…)

An ordinance was presented to amend Monticello City Code to amend the limitations of hours of operation of private clubs within the city limits, at Tuesday night’s meeting.

(more…)

According to Sheriff Mark Gober, on Sunday, June 28, 2015 at approximately 7:30 p.m. members of the Drew County Sheriff’s Office, Monticello Rescue / Dive Team, Arkansas Game & Fish and MASI Ambulance Service were dispatched to Lake Monticello (Hunger Run Access) to a vehicle running off into the lake. (more…)

The local nurse, who was being sought in connection with the alleged April illegal abortion of a local woman was arrested Friday, on a warrant out of the Drew County Circuit Court.

(more…)

A local man was arrested, Thursday, on the probable charge of sexual indecency of a child, for events that took place, Sunday.

(more…)

The new “Monticello flag” at City Hall is flying at half-mast, due to the recent deaths of two local law enforcement officers, who served the city of Monticello.  (more…)

State Police and Dumas Police are investigating the reported shooting deaths of 2 Dumas teenagers.

(more…)