Fort Smith, ARK – Authorities in Pulaski County have arrested Robert Richards, 38, after allegations surfaced that he had abused the corpse of his brother, who had previously been reported missing.
Richards was interviewed by investigators on November 20, 2024, as part of an ongoing investigation into his brother’s disappearance. During the interview, Richards reportedly informed law enforcement that he had found his brother dead. However, instead of immediately reporting the death, Richards allegedly took the body and stored it in a vehicle on his property, authorities said.
The actions prompted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death and Richards’ handling of the remains. Following the interview, Richards was arrested and charged with tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse.
He was subsequently transported to the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility, where he remains in custody pending further legal proceedings. The investigation into the case is ongoing, and authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances of the brother’s death.
This case has drawn significant attention in the community, raising questions about the handling of human remains and the actions of individuals involved in missing person cases.