UPDATE: According to booking information on the Independence County Sheriff’s Department website, Matthew Speakman is being held on charges of first-degree murder; theft of property; and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond has been set at $1 million.
EARLIER:
The Independence County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the suspicious death of a 49-year-old man in Sulphur Rock.
According to a release from Sheriff Shawn Stephens, on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, deputies responded to a residence in Sulphur Rock in reference to a possible person deceased. Upon arrival, deputies located a male subject identified as Jason Anderson, deceased, inside his residence.
Investigators determined the death to be suspicious, and the release said a suspect was developed during the investigation. The suspect is identified as Matthew Speakman, 18, and was taken into custody. Formal charges are pending through the 16th Judicial District Prosecutors Office.
Matthew Earl Speakman in his booking image from the Independence County Sheriff’s Department.
The cause of death has not been released at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
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