UPDATE:  12/06/2012 at 3:00 PM

     The Sheriff’s Office was able to make notification to the next of kin of the victim earlier today.  The identity of the victim can now be released, and he has been identified as ROY LEE HOGANS, 20 years old of Strawberry, Arkansas. He is believed to have been in Baxter County for approximately two weeks.  

     The investigation into HOGANS’ death is still underway. Investigators have determined that HOGANS was stabbed more than once.  The investigation has proceeded throughout today, with officers serving search warrants at three separates residences in the Midway area and collecting evidence therefrom.

     As of this afternoon, no arrests have been made.  The investigation will continue utilizing all necessary resources. Specialized equipment from the Arkansas State Police has been brought to the scene to assist with analyzing the blood splatter pattern at the crime scene. Additional interviews are also being conducted this afternoon.

Original Release below:

     The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 20 year old man that was reported late last night.  On Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at approximately 10:30 PM, the Sheriff’s Office was notified by Baxter Regional Ambulance Service that they were responding to 1251 Highway 178 West in Midway for a 20 year old unresponsive male.  The initial responding deputies arrived on scene at approximately 10:42 PM

     Deputies found the victim deceased at this residence.  In addition to the Baxter Regional Ambulance Crew, first responders from the Midway Volunteer Fire Protection District also responded.  The Baxter County Coroner’s Office was called to assist.  The manner of death is not being released at this time.  More than ten Sheriff’s Investigators, Deputies, and Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division Special Agents initiated a homicide investigation.  The investigation continues today.  Investigators have interviewed several persons both at the scene and at the Sheriff’s Office in connection with this incident, but no arrests have been made at this time. 

     The investigation is still underway today, with Investigators conducting additional interviews and executing three (3) search warrants at three (3) separate residences in connection with the investigation.  The name of the victim is still being withheld pending notification of next of kin.   No further details can be released at the present time.

/s/ John F. Montgomery,
Baxter County Sheriff