DQ man accused of shooting two sons to appear in court this week

A De Queen man is scheduled to appear in court this week following an incident last November in which he was charged with shooting his two sons – one fatally.

According to court records, 66-year-old Armando Arce of De Queen is scheduled to appear before the Sevier County Circuit Court on March 2 for the pre-trial hearing. Arce has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder stemming from an incident that occurred the evening of Nov. 8. If he maintains his not guilty plea, a trial is currently scheduled for March 15.

According to the De Queen Police Department, officers were dispatched the night of Nov. 8 to 223 Bobby Lane on the north side of De Queen in reference to a double shooting. Upon arrival, officers found two men suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Both men were transported for emergency medical treatment. Authorities stated one of the victims died en route to the hospital. The other was released following medical treatment.

Arce developed as a suspect in the case. A manhunt for Arce began that evening and he was apprehended near the residence less than 24 hours later.

Arce was identified as the father of both victims.

Arce remains in the Sevier County Jail on a $1,000,000 bond.

If convicted, Arce could face up to 40 years or life in prison for the first-degree murder offense.