ColdCase Files: Despite arrests and compelling evidence, charges were dropped against three suspects

Christopher Alvard

Christopher Alvard, 37, was found dead in his home at 674 County Road 116, west of Eureka Springs, Carroll County, Arkansas, on February 8, 2018. Family members had been unable to reach him, prompting his mother to check on him.

She discovered the door kicked in and blood on the porch. Carroll County Sheriff's deputies responded and found Alvard inside with multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma to the head. His dog had also been stabbed multiple times.

The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory confirmed the causes of death through autopsy.The Arkansas State Police led the investigation.

Three local men--Jason Hartley Helm of Holiday Island, Joshua Lloyd Anderson of Berryville, and Charles Ky Hanna of Berryville--were identified as suspects.

Affidavits indicated that one suspect admitted the group went to the home to "rough him up," but the situation escalated when Alvard fought back, leading to the use of knives by at least two of them.

Helm reportedly sought a ride near the scene that night, later referenced an altercation that "went bad," and voiced concern about leaving DNA.

Hanna picked up Helm behind a local school and described him as agitated.

Bloody items, including paper towels, toilet paper, and shirt fragments, were observed in Hanna's vehicle after a stop at Anderson's home.

DNA from Helm was compared to scene evidence, but the matches were not conclusive enough for prosecution.

Arrests came on February 8, 2021--the third anniversary of the body's discovery--on charges of first-degree murder and felony cruelty to animals. The mepleaded not guilty and were held in custody.

Progress faltered. In August 2022, Anderson recanted a prior statement against Helm that had been part of a plea deal. This change significantly weakened the case. In February 2023, special prosecutor Jack McQuary filed a motion for nolle prosequi (dismissal) with good cause, citing the dramatic impact on the state's evidence.

Carroll County Circuit Judge Scott Jackson granted the motion, dismissing the charges without prejudice--meaning they could potentially be refiled. No trial occurred, and as of early 2026 hearings, no decision had been made on refiling, though the investigation continues

.Alvard's family has expressed deep frustration over the delays and outcome. His mother noted that suspicions pointed to the men within days of the killing, yet arrests took three years, and charges were dropped after another two. The family continues to seek justice, with no closure after more than seven years.

The case remains open with the Arkansas State Police and Carroll County Sheriff's Office. Anyone with information should contact them at 870-423-2901 (Sheriff's Office) or through Arkansas State Police channels.

Christopher Alvard was buried in Reddick Cemetery in Garfield following services at Faith Christian Family Church in Eureka Springs