A string of shootings on May 11, 2017, in rural Yell County ended with three deaths. The violence began when a Yell County deputy, Lt. Kevin Mainhart, stopped a vehicle driven by 42-year-old James Arthur Bowden of Dardanelle; the deputy was fatally shot during that traffic stop. Bowden then went to a home on Gum Springs Road where he confronted his ex-girlfriend, Haley McHam. There he shot and killed 61-year-old Rita Miller of Yell County and McHam’s 17-year-old daughter, Ciera Miller. The women were found outside the residence after the initial call about a domestic disturbance led officers to the scene.

After the killings, Bowden held McHam hostage inside the home during a five-hour standoff as state troopers and local officers surrounded the property. The standoff ended when Bowden surrendered and was taken into custody; McHam escaped and was not physically harmed. Bowden was charged with three counts of capital murder in connection with the deaths of Lt. Mainhart, Rita Miller and Ciera Miller. If anyone knew Rita, Ciera or the family, or has information about what happened that morning, please share what you know.