May 23, 2013

14^th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Ron Kincade has ruled the death of 20 year old Roy Lee Hogans, who died on December 5, 2012 as a result of stab wounds he received, was Justifiable Homicide.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 pm on December 5, 2012 at the Melinda Lawhead residence in Midway, Arkansas. More than a dozen law enforcement and investigators with the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office and the Arkansas State Police were involved in the investigation. 12 witnesses were interviewed and three search warrants were executed at three different locations during the course of the investigation.  58 samples and pieces of evidence were collected and submitted to the Arkansas State Crime Lab along with the body of Hogans.

Evidence collected and witness statements indicate that sometime during the evening an altercation took place between the victim, Roy Hogans and the father of Hogans’ girlfriend, 44 year old Kenneth Carl Kitch resulting in Kitch being injured. After being separated, Kitch was taken into the house to treat his wounds. Kitch walked out of the house and a second fight occurred. The two men were fighting on the ground with Hogans on top of Kitch.  During the course of the fight a knife was brandished by Hogans and during the struggle, Hogans was stabbed three times in the chest area. The two were separated again with Hogans going into the house and Kitch was taken to another residence. A short time later Hogans was discovered in the back yard bleeding severely. He was taken into the kitchen where it is believed he died from his wounds.

Investigators from the Sheriff’s Office and State Police presented the case to the Prosecutor Kincade on Monday. After reviewing the case Kincade met with Investigators this morning and made the ruling of Justifiable Homicide.

Charges are pending against Kitch for his conduct during the investigation. Kitch, who resides in Yellville, is currently incarcerated in the Arkansas Department of Corrections relating to a conviction on drug related charges from Marion County, Arkansas.  At the time of the incident, Kitch had been convicted but was out of jail in Marion County waiting for bed space to become available at the Prison.

Sheriff John Montgomery

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