Baxter County Woman Arrested and Charged With Murder of Her Boyfriend

November 26, 2010

     A joint investigation by the Baxter County Sheriff's Office and the Criminal Division of the Arkansas State Police has led to the arrest of a 38 year old Baxter County woman in the shooting death of her boyfriend.

     At approximately 9 am, on Thursday November 25, (Thanksgiving morning), a 911 call was received from a coworker of the suspect, stating the suspect came to work that morning claiming her boyfriend had committed suicide around midnight. Baxter County Deputies and First Responders from the Mountain Home Fire Department responded to the residence at 890 Old Tracy Ferry Road. The front door was forced open and Deputies found the victim, 43 year old Antonio Sanchez III, deceased in the living room area of the home. It appeared the vicim had been deceased for several hours. The scene was secured and investigators were contacted.

     A search warrant was obtained by Investigators and executed at approximately 12:10 pm at the residence. Evidence collected at the scene by Investigators from the Sheriff's Office and State Police, indicate to authorities that the death of the victim was the result of a homicide. A rifle, which is believed to be the murder weapon, was recovered at the scene. (Details of the weapon, injures or possible motive are not being released by authorities at this time due to the ongoing investigation)

     The body of the victim, Antonio Sanchez, has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab to determine the cause and manner of death.

     The suspect and the victim have been living together at the residence for the past several months.

Rhonda Jean Clark, age 38, has been charged with:

1st Degree Murder           Class Y Felony

Rhonda Jean Clark  is currently being held in the Baxter County Detention Center. Her bond has been set at $1,000,000.

The investigation is continuing.

Sheriff John Montgomery