Arkansas – A FCSO deputy was justified in using deadly force during a May officer-involved shooting that followed a deadly stabbing investigation, according to Fifth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Phillips.
The determination stems from an incident on May 15, when two Franklin County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported stabbing on Cat Holler Road.
According to authorities, deputies arrived and saw 54-year-old Patrick Poole fleeing toward a residence. After entering the home, deputies found 62-year-old Roy Lee Murphy on the floor suffering from stab wounds and showing no signs of life.
Deputies then exited the residence and waited for additional law enforcement personnel to arrive.
Members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and Arkansas State Police troopers responded to the scene. Investigators said Poole was later seen on the roof of the residence holding a knife before climbing back inside through a window.
SWAT personnel eventually entered the home and located Poole. During an attempt to take him into custody, authorities said Poole resisted and attempted to take a deputy’s firearm.
A second deputy then fired two rounds, striking Poole. He was later pronounced dead.
Investigators also discovered 55-year-old Jody Grinder deceased inside a bedroom.
At the request of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, special agents with the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division investigated the officer-involved shooting.
In an Aug. 14 letter to Arkansas State Police, Phillips concluded that the deputy’s use of deadly force was legally justified because the deputy reasonably believed deadly force was necessary to protect himself and other officers if Poole gained control of the weapon.
The prosecutor determined that the deputy acted in response to an imminent threat of deadly physical force.