Decomposed Body Found in Wooded Area Near Hope; Investigation Ongoing

The Hope Police Department is investigating after a deceased individual was discovered Saturday evening in a wooded area near Hope.

According to police, officers were dispatched at approximately 8:02 p.m. on July 4 after a citizen cleaning property in a wooded area reported finding what appeared to be a deceased person.

Responding officers and detectives confirmed the discovery. Due to the advanced state of decomposition, investigators were unable to immediately determine the individual’s race or sex.

The Hempstead County Coroner estimated the individual had been dead for approximately one week, although an exact time of death could not be determined at the scene.

The remains were transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, where investigators will work to determine the person’s identity, as well as the cause and manner of death.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to contact the Hope Police Department at 870-777-3434 or provide information through their local law enforcement agency.

Authorities said additional information will be released as it becomes available.