James Earl Simmons Jr

James Earl Simmons Jr., a 34-year-old White man from Fort Smith, Arkansas, was a victim of deadly violence on a late autumn night in rural Scott County. His life was cut short in an encounter that left his community seeking answers.

Late on the night of November 10, 2021, deputies from the Scott County Sheriff's Office responded to a call about an armed disturbance at a residence. The home was located in the 3200 block of Yearling Ridge Road, in a quiet area just south of Boles. Inside the residence, deputies discovered Simmons suffering from a gunshot wound. He was quickly transported to a hospital in the nearby town of Waldron, but his injury was too severe, and he was pronounced dead.

The investigation was turned over to special agents with the Arkansas State Police. As part of their initial work, investigators questioned the homeowner about the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting. The state police also sent Simmons's body to the Arkansas State Crime Lab to be examined by the state medical examiner, who would officially determine the cause of death.

Authorities announced that once their investigation was complete, they would submit a case file to the local prosecuting attorney. The prosecutor would then review the evidence to decide whether criminal charges were warranted. However, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. As of the last public reports in November 2021, the investigation into the death of James Earl Simmons Jr. is ongoing, and his case remains unsolved.