VAN BUREN (KFSM) -- An inmate has pleaded guilty to slaying a man with an axe handle, according to the Crawford County Prosecutor's Office.
Randall Jordan, 36, of Van Buren pleaded guilty to first-degree murder shortly before 2 p.m. Monday (Dec. 11). A jury trial for Jordan was set to begin tomorrow (Dec. 11), according to the Prosecutor's Office.
Jordan was sentenced to life in prison.
Police said Jordan invaded a home June 10, 2016, and bludgeoned Larry Jones, 59, in the head with an axe handle while Jones slept. Walter Young, a friend of Jones for more than 30 years, held Jordan at gunpoint until police arrived at the scene.
"He had a good life. He (Jones) did what he wanted to do. It was sad he had to die like that," Young said.
Young also recalled when the homicide happened and said, "He (Jordan) wasn't making any sense. He was on some kind of drug."
Jones was taken to a hospital where he died not long after. Investigators said the two knew each other and Jordan had previously stayed at the home. They said he had a key to the home and that's how he got inside.
Family of Jones said he had taught Jordan how to weld so that Jordan could earn a better life for himself.
The Jones family also said, Jones bought Jordan necessities throughout their lives.
The family is keeping beloved items of Jones in honor of his memory.
"It won't ever bring our brother back, but at the same time, he (Jordan) won't ever get the opportunity to commit murder again," Brother Lee Jones Jr. said.
The Jones family said they remember their family member by recalling how caring and committed he was to his family and friends. said their satisfied with the sentence.
"I know he loved the Lord and his family. We'll never replace him, and we will miss him," Lee Jones said.
Jones was a grandfather to five. His family said he cared more for others than himself.