Arkansas – Arkansas man charged after dismembered body discovered in wooded area near Lonoke home as investigators believe victim was killed out of state
A 32-year-old Lonoke man has been charged after a dismembered body was discovered in a wooded area near a mobile home in Lonoke County, with investigators believing the victim was killed in another state before his remains were transported to Arkansas.
Claude Smith Jr., who is currently being held at the Pulaski County Detention Center, has been charged with abuse of a corpse following the discovery on Saturday, October 3, according to authorities.
The Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division after the remains of a man were found in a wooded area near a home on Joe Baty Road.
Investigators believe the victim was killed outside Arkansas and that his remains were subsequently transported into the state. Authorities have not released the victim’s identity.
The remains have been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, where the medical examiner will work to confirm the victim’s identity and determine the cause and manner of death.
Smith was previously arrested on September 19 in North Little Rock following a pursuit involving the North Little Rock Police Department. He was charged with felony fleeing.
According to investigators, Smith fled from authorities while driving a vehicle belonging to the victim.
Authorities said additional charges against Smith are expected as the investigation continues.
The investigation involves multiple jurisdictions, with authorities in the state where the man was killed handling the homicide investigation. Arkansas State Police will investigate any criminal acts that occurred within Arkansas.
The abuse-of-a-corpse charge relates to the handling of the victim’s remains in Arkansas, while investigators continue working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death.
Authorities have not released further details about the victim or the circumstances of the suspected killing. The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional information will be released at this time.