Fort Smith, Ark. — An Atlanta man has been arrested in connection with the January death of a Texas man found at a rest stop along Interstate 40 near Ozark, Arkansas.
Darius Simmons, 30, was apprehended by U.S. Marshals in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on January 31, following a warrant issued for his arrest. Simmons faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated robbery, theft of property, and failure to provide information regarding an accident that resulted in injury.
The victim, identified as German Portillo-Batres, 59, of Richmond, Texas, was discovered around 1:45 a.m. on January 4, lying on the shoulder of a rest stop access road. Arkansas State Police (ASP) and the Ozark Police Department launched a joint investigation after Portillo-Batres’ body was found, and it was determined that foul play was involved.
According to ASP, felony arrest warrants were issued for Simmons after investigators gathered crucial evidence linking him to the crime. Simmons is currently awaiting extradition to Arkansas, where he will face formal charges.
Authorities continue to work on the case, and further details surrounding the investigation are expected to be released as they become available.