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Bond Set for Man Accused of Killing Ex-Father-in-Law

Bond has been set for a Fort Smith man accused of killing his ex-father-in-law before attempting to kill himself. Sebastian County judge James Cox set 47-year-o...
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Bond has been set for a Fort Smith man accused of killing his ex-father-in-law before attempting to kill himself.

Sebastian County judge James Cox set 47-year-old Michael Ray Underwood’s bond at $100,000 Thursday (Sept. 12).

His attorney had asked for a $50,000 bond because Underwood requires more medical care than the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center can provide, but Prosecutor Daniel Shue argued the amount was too low.

Underwood is recovering from two self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the head and is paralyzed on the left side of his body, according to his attorney.

As of Thursday afternoon, he had not bonded out of jail.

Underwood is accused of gunning down his ex-wife’s father, Michael Shook, before shooting himself in the head in June. Underwood received medical treatment in a Little Rock hospital after his attempted suicide.

Underwood was transported to Sparks Hospital in Fort Smith before being transferred to the Sebastian County Detention Center Aug. 12, according to police. An arrest warrant was issued for Underwood, accusing him of capital murder, police said.

Shook was declared dead by medical crews responding to his home June 13. The shooting occurred about 6 a.m. at 2000 S. 70th St., according to Fort Smith Police Capt. Jarrard Copeland.

Investigators said they believe Underwood’s ex-wife, Angela, was living with her father at the time of the shooting. Copeland said there had been an ongoing problem between the Shook’s daughter and Underwood. Angela had submitted an online request for extra patrol at the home on South 70th Street earlier in the month, authorities said.

A protection order was issued three days before the shooting and was to be served on Underwood, according to police.

A Fort Smith officer patrolling the area noticed Underwood’s vehicle at the house and stopped Thursday morning, officials said. There were no active warrants out for the man, but a Sebastian County deputy told the officer there was an outstanding order of protection against Underwood, Copeland said.

When authorities went into the home they found the Shook dead and Underwood wounded, according to Sgt. Daniel Grubbs.

Angela was not at the home at the time of the shooting, according to police.

Police reports show on June 6, Angela spoke with an officer in reference to continued harassment from Underwood. The responding officer took the initial report, listing potential charges of domestic assault and possession of a firearm. After that she went to the Sebastian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to seek a warrant and request an order of protection, police said.

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