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STAR CITY MAN FACES ARSON CHARGE

By John Whipple/LINCOLN COUNTY CORRESPONDENT
Friday, June 26, 2009 11:26 PM CDT

STAR CITY — A Star City man has been jailed in Lincoln County facing an arson charge in connection with the burning of his estranged wife’s home in Star City on Thursday.

There were no injuries as a result of the fire, which was discovered at about 2 p.m.

Star City Police Chief Steve Young said that Marion Randall Smith, 53, is being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond following a probable cause hearing Friday before Star City District Judge Vic Harper.

Young said that police have been called out to the doublewide home on Southwest Drive numerous times in the past few months because of domestic problems.

“I would say the whole thing was a loss,” Young said of the residence.

Young asked the State Police for assistance in investigating the fire since arson was suspected. The chief added that Smith was seen near the house just before the fire was discovered. Police later learned that Smith was at a residence in Bradley County and requested that Bradley County Sheriff Rick Anders take Smith into custody.

Young said that Smith is also facing two counts of cruelty to animals, a felony, because of the death of two dogs in the fire, and another felony count of breaking or entering.

By Ray King

OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF

Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies are asking for help in locating a Pine Bluff man who is a suspect in a homicide that occurred June 21 on Middle Warren Road.

Capt. Bernard Adams said Deaundre Cortez Jones, 26, should be considered armed and extremely dangerous, and anyone with information should contact Lt. Steve McFatridge or Investigator Mickey Buffkin at 541-5496.

Jones is being sought for questioning in the death of Vincent Rouse Jr., 23, whose body was found in the 7200 block of Middle Warren Road after a passing motorist reported seeing someone in a ditch.

Rouse was pronounced dead at the scene by Deputy Coroner John Lawson, who listed the cause of death as apparent gunshot wounds.

Sheriff’s Capt. John McNeil said it appeared that Rouse was shot at another location, then taken to Middle Warren Road where he was found.

Adams said Jones is also being sought after a circuit judge signed an order Friday revoking his bond on three felony warrants for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.

Jones, who has a gunshot wound to the stomach that is held together with staples, is 5-feet, 7-inches tall and weighs 150 pounds.

His last known addresses were 3202 Palm St., and 801 W. 15th Ave., both in Pine Bluff.

His wife drives a white, four-door newer model Toyota, Adams said.

Anyone with information about Jones should contact the Criminal Investigation Division at 541-5496, and all calls will be kept confidential.

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