January 2, 2012

     An investigation is continuing after the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call at approximately 10:19 pm, to the Pigeon Creek Park off of Highway 201 North.  The caller stated he had driven through the park and when he was at the end of the park, he observed a man lying on the ground covered in blood.  At approximately 10:32 pm, while Deputies were en route to the call, 911 received a second call from a female who stated her husband had been in an altercation at the Pigeon Creek Park.

     When Deputy Kevin Boucher arrived, he observed 71 year old Herman R. Hackworth, of Mountain Home, lying approximately 30 feet from his white minivan.  Hackworth was incoherent and his face was covered in blood.  Hackworth was unable to give an account as to his injuries.  Hackworth was transported by ambulance to Baxter Regional Medical Center and later flown by Air-EVac Life Team to Cox Hospital in Springfield, Missouri with serious head injuries.

     The second person, 27 year old Adam M Mudgett, was interviewed at the Sheriff’s Office.  Mudgett stated to Investigator Trey Edings that he had gone to Pigeon Creek Park.  While there he stated that Hackworth approached him and begin talking with him.  After a few minutes an altercation broke out and Mudgett hit Hackworth two or three times causing Hackworth to fall to the ground.  Mudgett stated he then left and went home.  Sometime later after he was home, Mudgett stated he told his wife of the incident and she called 911.

     Evidence at the scene suggests that after the altercation, Hackworth retrieved a towel from his minivan and walked a short distance away before falling to the ground.

The investigation is continuing as the cause of the altercation and possible charges.

Sheriff John Montgomery