Bald Knob man, 24, arrested in stabbing death of mother

BALD KNOB, Ark. (AP) — A 24-year-old man has been arrested for the death of his mother and wounding of his father in a stabbing in Bald Knob.

The White County Sheriff’s Office says Jacob Seth Varnell (pictured) was arrested on capital murder and attempted capital murder warrants for the death Friday of Pamela Varnell, 65, and wounding of William Varnell, 63, at their home.

Jail records show Jacob Varnell is in custody and do not list an attorney who could speak on his behalf.

Sheriff’s Detective Chancey Warden says in a news release that Pamela Varnell was found dead, and William Varnell was found wounded in their home by deputies responding to reports of a stabbing.

The news release from the White County Sheriff’s Office reads:

On Friday, August 6, 2021, at about 7:45 p.m., the White County Sheriff’s Office responded to 226 South Wallace Road in Bald Knob after a 911 call came in regarding the homeowners being stabbed.

Upon arrival, Sheriff’s Deputies found William C. Varnell, 63, inside the home with multiple stab wounds.

NorthStar EMS responded and transported Mr. Varnell to the White County Unity Hospital Emergency Room where he received emergency medical treatment for his injuries.

Deputies also found, Pamela G. Varnell, 65, inside the home deceased due to injuries also consistent with stab wounds. Mrs. Varnell was later removed from the scene by the White County Coroner’s Office and sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for a forensic autopsy.

A crime scene was immediately established, and detectives with the White County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division responded to the scene to begin processing the scene as a homicide.

Witness statements along with evidence collected at the scene developed their son, Jacob Seth Varnell, 24, as the suspect. Deputies and Detectives began searching for Varnell who was later found at another residence on Highway 258 just outside of Bald Knob.

Varnell was arrested for capital murder, a Class Y Felony and criminal attempt to commit capital murder, a Class A Felony. He will have a bond hearing on Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, at 9 a.m. Varnell will appear in White County Circuit Court on Oct. 6, 2021, at 9 a.m.

Image via White County Sheriff’s Office

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