𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓 𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐇, 𝐀𝐫𝐤. – 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐞

FORT SMITH, Arkansas — An arrest has been made in connection to a fatal shooting that occurred early Friday morning in Fort Smith. Authorities have confirmed that 25-year-old Hunter Harrell, of Eureka Springs, has been arrested in relation to the death of 39-year-old Jerry Beane, a Fort Smith resident.

Officers with the Fort Smith Police Department responded to a call reporting a shooting at approximately 4:45 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, in the 1300 block of North 38th Street. Upon arrival, first responders discovered Jerry Beane at the scene suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. Despite efforts from emergency personnel, Beane was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives from the Fort Smith Police Department launched an immediate investigation and quickly identified Hunter Harrell as the primary suspect. Within hours, an arrest warrant was issued for Harrell on multiple felony charges. He was later located and taken into custody by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office without incident.

Charges Filed Against Hunter Harrell

Hunter Harrell is currently facing the following charges:

• Murder in the First Degree
• Discharging a Firearm from a Vehicle

He remains in custody pending further legal proceedings. It is unclear whether he has retained an attorney at this time.

Authorities have not yet released a detailed motive behind the shooting but have stated that the incident does not appear to have been random. Investigators believe Harrell and Beane were acquainted in some capacity prior to the fatal encounter.

Community Response and Police Statement

The incident has prompted grief and concern throughout the Fort Smith community. The area around North 38th Street was temporarily closed off Friday morning as crime scene investigators collected evidence and spoke with residents.

“This case progressed quickly thanks to the coordinated efforts of our patrol division, detectives, and assistance from law enforcement in Carroll County,” the Fort Smith Police Department stated in an official release. “We extend our gratitude to the public for their cooperation and continue to encourage anyone with information to come forward.”

Call for Witnesses

The Fort Smith Police Department is urging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area or who may have relevant information regarding the events leading up to the shooting to contact them at (479) 709-5000. Anonymous tips can be submitted via Fort Smith Crime Stoppers.

Remembering Jerry Beane

As news of the arrest spreads, friends and family members are mourning the loss of Jerry Beane, who was described by those who knew him as a quiet, respectful man with a generous spirit. Neighbors have already begun placing flowers near the scene, and calls for justice have echoed across social media.

“Jerry didn’t deserve what happened to him,” said one family friend. “He was a father, a friend, and someone who always offered a helping hand.”

This is an ongoing investigation. Updates will be provided by the Fort Smith Police Department as new information becomes available.