Jury Convicts Defendant in Little River County “Abuse of a Corpse” Case

A Little River County jury on Tuesday convicted Chance Cathey of Abuse of a Corpse and sentenced him to 30 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections following a one-day trial before Circuit Judge Tom Cooper.

The case was prosecuted by Prosecuting Attorney Jana Bradford and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Bryce Montgomery of the Ninth West Judicial District.

The charge arose from the recovery of the remains of Bobby Graham Conley, after law enforcement received information indicating that Conley’s body had been placed in a well in rural Little River County near the Oklahoma state line. Investigators responded to the site, where they confirmed the report and began an extensive and difficult recovery effort under challenging conditions.

“This case involved an act that defied all human decency,” said Prosecuting Attorney Bradford. “The victim, Bobby Conley, was a person who deserved dignity in life and respect in death. The jury’s verdict recognizes that truth and restores a measure of dignity to him and his family.”

Bradford praised the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies that contributed to the investigation and prosecution. “We are deeply grateful to the Little River County Sheriff’s Department, the Arkansas State Police, and the Little River County Judge and County Workers who labored tirelessly to recover Mr. Conley’s body from the well,” she said. “We also appreciate the assistance of the McCurtain County Sheriff’s Department, as well as the many federal and local agencies who provided support throughout the investigation.”

“Their dedication to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice was unwavering,” Bradford added. “This verdict stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when agencies work together with compassion, determination, and respect for human life.”

Cathey was immediately remanded to the custody of the Arkansas Department of Corrections to begin serving his 30-year sentence.