Cold Case Files: Shooting death in Hot Springs County remains classified as a cold case after 22 years
- Dennis McCaslin
- 23 minutes ago
- 1 min read
On September 30, 2003, Raymond Lee Luton Sr.’s body was discovered behind his vehicle off Bridge Cutoff Road, south of Malvern in Hot Spring County.
His fishing partner, who had arrived to meet him, found him deceased, with the cause of death determined to be a gunshot wound. This incident was classified as a homicide.
The Arkansas State Police (ASP) was requested to assist the Hot Spring County Sheriff’s Office with the homicide investigation, indicating a collaborative effort from the outset. However, public details about the initial investigation, such as suspects, motives, or specific circumstances, remain scarce.
. The ASP’s Cold Case Unit, formed in 2020, is dedicated to resolving such cases, utilizing special agents and retired law enforcement officers. This unit focuses on cases originally initiated by ASP, which aligns with Luton’s case, given their involvement from the start.
The case’s rural setting, south of Malvern, may have contributed to initial difficulties in gathering evidence or identifying witnesses. The ASP’s Cold Case Unit aims to leverage advancements in forensic technology, such as DNA analysis or digital evidence review, but without new leads, progress can be slow.
The ASP continues to seek public assistance, encouraging anyone with information to contact ASP Company C at (870) 777-8444.
