JOHNSON COUNTY (KFSM) – A man accused of killing a Johnson County reserve deputy was charged with capital murder on Thursday (June 4), officials say.
Fred Kauffeld was arrested May 15 after deputies say he shot and killed a reserve deputy with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office following a residential burglary. That deputy was identified by authorities as Sonny Smith.
The murder suspect was also charged with criminal attempt to commit capital murder and burglary, according to the Johnson County Circuit Clerk’s office.
If convicted of capital murder, Kauffeld could be sentenced to death.
On May 15 around 1 a.m., authorities received a call about a house that was burglarized on County Road 1723 in Johnson County, officials said.
Authorities arrived at the home and determined there has been a forced entry, according to officials. A K-9 unit was called. The dogs picked up a scent and tracked over a fence.
At that point, deputies detected a heat signature with thermal imaging instrument, officials said. Smith ordered the burglary suspect to come out with his hands up, according to officials.
At that point, Smith was fired upon by Kauffeld, authorities said. Smith was taken to a local hospital and later pronounced dead, according to Arkansas State Police.
Kauffeld was taken into custody after the shooting.
A box of loose change was found at the scene of the shooting, and the owner of the burglarized home said it was taken from the residence, officials said.
Kauffeld’s next court date is scheduled for July 10 in Clarksville, according to the Pope County Prosecutor’s Office.
