Photos: (from left) Steven Stepp and Charles “Vernon” Stepp. Photos: Courtesy Newton County Sheriff’s Office
The victim of a reported murder and arson investigated by Newton County authorities in early January has been identified, and further details of the incident have been made available with the filing of probable cause affidavits Tuesday.
Court documents identify the victim as Jerry Don Cantrell. Cantrell’s body was discovered on Jan. 9, after the Newton County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a structure fire at a residence in Oark.
As firefighters sifted through debris at the scene, they observed a body inside the structure. A wallet found underneath the deceased provided identification of the body.
Body found in burning home in Newton County, 2 arrests made
A homicide investigation has been launched after a man s body was found in a burning home Saturday in Newton County. Author: 5NEWS Web Staff Updated: 10:24 PM CST January 11, 2021
NEWTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. One man is dead, and two others are behind bars following a possible homicide and arson over the weekend in rural Newton County.
Members of the Deer Fire Department and Ozone Fire Department were called to a house fire west of Fallsville just after 3:30 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 9). While fighting the flames, firefighters discovered the body of a man inside the home, according to a press release from the Newton County Sheriff s Office.
Photos: (from left) Steven and Charles Stepp. Photos: Courtesy Newton County Sheriff’s Office
Two men suspected of being involved in an arson and homicide in Newton County were taken into custody Sunday night. Sixty-nine year old Charles Stepp and 34-year-old Steven Stepp, both of the Fallsville area, were apprehended without incident at a residence in Clarksville.
Newton County Sheriff Glenn Wheeler says the Deer and Ozone fire departments were called to the scene of a house fire west of Fallsville Saturday afternoon at around 3:35. While fighting the fire, personnel located a male body inside the residence, believed to be the homeowner. Evidence at the scene and other information reportedly confirmed a homicide and arson had occurred.