Sevier County Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Infant’s Death

A Lockesburg man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of an 8-month-old infant in Sevier County.

According to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to a home in Lockesburg on Thursday, February 5, after receiving a report of an unresponsive baby. The infant was transported to Sevier County Medical Center, where the child was pronounced dead.

Authorities said the infant’s body was sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an autopsy. The medical examiner later ruled the death a homicide.

Investigators Brian Hankins and Chet Stubbs, with assistance from special agents from the Arkansas State Police, identified a suspect during the course of the investigation. The case was presented to the prosecuting attorney, who approved a charge of first-degree murder.

Edward Scott Jr., 31, was arrested and booked into the Sevier County Jail on a charge of first-degree murder. The investigation remains ongoing.