A 32-year-old Lonoke man has been charged with Abuse of a Corpse following the discovery of a dismembered man’s body in a wooded area of Lonoke County.
Claude Smith Jr., 32, of Lonoke, faces the charge as investigators continue working to determine the circumstances surrounding the discovery.
The remains were discovered Oct. 3 in a wooded area near a mobile home on Joe Baty Road in Lonoke County.
The Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division following the discovery.
INVESTIGATORS BELIEVE VICTIM WAS KILLED IN ANOTHER STATE
According to investigators, authorities believe the victim was killed in another state and the body was later transported to Arkansas.
Authorities in the state where investigators believe the killing occurred are expected to handle the homicide investigation.
The Arkansas State Police will investigate criminal acts believed to have occurred within Arkansas.
SMITH WAS ALREADY IN CUSTODY
Smith was already being held at the Pulaski County Detention Center following an arrest connected to a Sept. 19 pursuit involving the North Little Rock Police Department.
Authorities said Smith was arrested on a Felony Fleeing charge after the pursuit.
Investigators said Smith was driving a vehicle belonging to the victim at the time of that incident.
The discovery of the victim’s remains in Lonoke County later led investigators to continue examining Smith’s alleged connection to the case.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES EXPECTED
Authorities say additional charges are expected as the investigation develops.
The homicide investigation will be handled by authorities in the state where investigators believe the victim was killed, while the Arkansas State Police will continue investigating alleged criminal activity that occurred in Arkansas.
The investigation remains active, and additional information could be released as authorities continue their work.
Smith has been charged with Abuse of a Corpse. A criminal charge is an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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