Search continues for person of interest after fatal Independence County shooting

Christopher L. Johnston (Image: Independence County Sheriff’s Office)

BREAKING: From the Independence County Sheriff’s Office — Person of interest Christopher Johnston has been spotted in the area of B D Lane in Bethesda within the last 30 minutes. He is described as having distinctive markings on his face.
There is currently a heavy law enforcement presence in the area.
Please stay alert, avoid the area if possible, and keep your homes and vehicles secure. If you notice any suspicious activity, notify law enforcement immediately.
Contact dispatch at 870-698-2450 with any concerns or information.
We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

UPDATE, 10:30 a.m, March 24, 2026: Independence County Sheriff Shawn Stephens tells White River Now on Tuesday morning that the search continues.

One person is dead, and another is recovering after a pre-dawn shooting on Monday in Independence County, with authorities actively searching for a named person of interest.

Deputies with the Independence County Sheriff’s Office responded at approximately 3:20 a.m. Monday to a reported shooting on Brown Lane. Upon arrival, officers found one victim dead at the scene. A second victim had already been transported to a local hospital by family members before deputies arrived, according to the sheriff’s office.

Authorities identified Christopher L. Johnston, born in 1978, as a person of interest in the case. Johnston was last seen in the 1600 block of Bethesda Road, according to investigators.

The sheriff’s office did not release additional details about Johnston’s connection to the shooting.

The investigation remains active, officials said.

Residents in the surrounding area are encouraged to remain alert, keep their doors locked, and report any suspicious activity. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Independence County Sheriff’s Department at (870) 793-8838 or dispatch at (870) 698-2450.