Former Arkansas State Trooper and Sevier County Investigator Death

The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office and the Arkansas State Police are investigating the death of a former Arkansas State Trooper and Sevier County investigator in Lockesburg Thursday night.

According to a preliminary report released by the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to Silver Ridge in Lockesburg around 9:30 Thursday evening after receiving a report from a woman who said she accidentally shot her friend. The caller was identified as 31 YO Kayle Helms. 

When deputies arrived on the scene they identified the shooting victim as 50 YO Chris Brackett. Authorities reported he had a gunshot wound to his head and was kneeling on the ground with his head resting on the passenger seat of a vehicle. According to the report, deputies saw Helms holding Brackett’s head when they arrived. 

Sevier County deputies and trooper with the Arkansas State Police secured the scene with assistance from first responders and Southwest EMS. The Arkansas State Police Criminal INvestigation Divisioni was then contacted to assist in the investigation as well as to process the scene.

The investigation remains ongoing and pending results from the Arkansas State Crime Lab a file will be presented to the prosecuting attorney for review.

No other details were available.

Bracket is a former Arkansas State Police trooper and a former investigator with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office.