Search continues for person of interest after fatal Independence County shooting

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

UPDATE, March 24, 2026, 1:25 p.m.:

An intensive search ended Tuesday afternoon after a 48-year-old man identified as a person of interest in a fatal shooting in Independence County was found.

According to the Independence County Sheriff’s Office, Christopher L. Johnston was found early Tuesday afternoon. Authorities confirmed that Johnston was located near Bethesda and stated there is no longer a threat to the public.

The search for Johnston, identified as a person of interest, intensified Tuesday morning after he was spotted near B-D Lane. The effort reportedly included air units, thermal imaging, and search dogs from the Benny Magness Unit in Calico Rock, according to scanner traffic.

The investigation began Monday morning following a shooting on Brown Lane. Responding deputies found one person dead at the scene; a second victim was transported to a local hospital.

While Johnston is no longer a threat, sheriff’s officials said the investigation remains ongoing. No further details regarding the victims or a potential motive have been released.

“More details will be released when possible,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

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.