CARROLL COUNTY (KFSM) — Carroll County deputies arrested a 17-year-old teen Tuesday (Jan. 17) after he confessed to killing his autistic brother with a bat and sword, according to a probable cause affidavit released by the sheriff’s office.
Shortly before 4:30 p.m., deputies were called to a home on County Road 219 in Berryville where they found Alex Santiago, 21, dead in the living room, the documents state. The call was made by one of Santiago’s parents.
The victim had suffered severe head trauma and there was sword sticking out of his mid-section, according to the affidavit. Investigator also found a bat covered in blood, the affidavit states.
While deputies searched the residence, the suspect was watching TV in another room, according to the documents. When the teen was interviewed he admitted to killing his brother with the bat and then stabbing him with the sword, the affidavit states.
He also admitted to setting a fire in April 2016 at the family’s previous home, according to the affidavit. The suspect said he locked his brother in his room and poured gasoline on the floor of his room and his parent’s room before setting it on fire, the affidavit states.
The 17-year-old suspect is facing capital murder, attempted capital murder and arson charges, according to the sheriff’s office.
A judge ruled Wednesday that he should be held without bond at is the Benton County Detention Center until his next court hearing.
