Forrest City records first murder of new year - KATV - Breaking News, Weather and Razorback Sports

FORREST CITY (Times-Herald) - The Forrest City Police Department is investigating the city's first murder of the new year after a 21-year-old man was shot Thursday evening.

According to a press release, officers were called to 509 Ash Street about 6:30 p.m., where they found Joey Rucker had been shot inside the home. Rucker was reportedly shot once in the chest and was transported to Forrest City Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

 "First, I want to extend my prayers and condolences to the family of the victim, Joey Rucker. It is never easy when a family loses a loved one to senseless acts of violence. We are working diligently to get to the bottom of what happened. Detectives are speaking with several people who are cooperating with police at this time," said Police Chief E.P. Reynolds in a press release.

Major Deon Lee said investigators were working on the case this morning in hopes of arresting a suspect.

"We're working on several leads right now and have some interviews scheduled for today that may shed more light on this situation. We don't have a motive at this time, and we're hoping the interviews will provide some information that will assist with the investigation," said Lee.

Thursday's homicide is the first of the year, but the fourth in the city since November.

On Nov. 7, investigators were called to the Cope Cove Apartment Complex about 7 p.m., after the body of Diabre McCraw, 31, was found. Tommy Barber, 28, of Forrest City is charged with that murder. On Nov. 9, investigators arrested Dwayne Haggins, 28, and Michael Duke, 22, both of Forrest City, on charges of abuse of a corpse in connection with McCraw's murder.

On Nov. 26, Dominique Tobar, 20, was shot and killed near the intersection of Park Drive and North Washington. Terrance Mays, 20, 2039 Dell Drive is charged with capital murder in Tobar's death. Mays was free on $100,000 bond for a 2010 capital murder charge at the time of Tobar's death.

Last month, investigators arrested Kendrix Black, 20, 133 Drexel Street, on charges of second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the Dec. 9 stabbing death of John Bey, 54, at a home on South Division Street. 

Anyone with information about Thursday night's shooting is asked to contact the Forrest City Police Department at 870-633-3434 or the Forrest City Crime Stoppers at 870-261-1499. All calls to the Crime Stoppers number are anonymous. Forrest City Crime Stoppers pays rewards of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of criminals.

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