A gathering on Railroad Trail in Summit, Arkansas, turned deadly one Tuesday night in May 2021 when 24-year-old Rachel Hemphill was found inside a residence with a gunshot wound to the head. Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office transported Hemphill to Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, where she was pronounced dead. Her body was sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for autopsy.

34-year-old Bridget Lynn Brown, who was at the scene, initially told investigators the shooting was an accident, saying she lost her footing on shaky stairs and a handgun she was holding went off. Other witnesses reportedly contradicted that account. After interviews and consultation with the prosecuting attorney, investigators from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Arkansas State Police, arrested Brown and charged her with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and a firearm enhancement. Brown was held at the Marion County Jail on $250,000 bond.

If anyone has information about what happened that night or knew Rachel, please share details with investigators.