Fort Smith Police arrest Eureka Springs man in connection with Friday morning murder on North 38th Street

Authorities have arrested 25-year-old Hunter Patrick Harrell of Eureka Springs in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred early Friday morning in Fort Smith. The incident, which took place around 4:45 a.m. on the 1300 block of North 38th Street, claimed the life of 39-year-old Jerry Beane.

According to the Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD), the case was quickly classified as a homicide. With support from the Sebastian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, investigators secured an arrest warrant later that morning. Harrell was apprehended by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and is now facing charges of First-Degree Murder and Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm from a Vehicle.

Court records show Harrell is being held at the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center on a $50,000 cash bond. He is scheduled to appear in Circuit Court on July 23. His classification is listed as “Medium Aslt/Escp,” indicating a medium-security level with assault or escape risk concerns.

Police also arrested 42-year-old Ashley Lensing in connection with the shooting. She remains jailed as of Midnight Friday night on a Petition to Revoke and a Parole Violation.

Police have stated that no other suspects are believed to be involved at this time.

This arrest follows Harrell’s prior booking just days earlier on charges including theft of property and contempt for failure to pay fines. He was released on July 15 after posting bond.

The investigation remains active, and authorities have expressed gratitude to the public and partnering agencies for their cooperation and swift action in resolving the case.