FRANKLIN COUNTY, Arkansas — A Franklin County man charged with murder in 2023 has taken a plea deal and been sentenced, according to court documents.
Donny Deer, 27, was arrested on Nov. 30, 2023, after the fatal shooting of Daniel Davis, according to Arkansas State Police (ASP).
ASP said in a release that Davis was shot during an altercation at a home on Church Street in Charleston. Davis suffered two gunshot wounds to the chest and was pronounced dead on the scene.
Deer told investigators that his girlfriend and her father had gotten into a fight. The couple and their 18-month-old child then left the residence.
Court documents said Deer returned to the home later with a gun and the baby. When Davis let them in, an argument ensued, and Deer reportedly fired a warning shot.
Deer said after he put the baby to sleep, Davis was standing in the living room, shouting and aggressively pointing at him. According to court documents, Deer told law enforcement he was scared of Davis and fired two shots at him, immediately calling 911 after.
Court documents said Davis's body was found with a gun on it, although Deer said he didn't know he was armed.
While Deer was originally charged with first-degree murder, he took a plea deal in September 2024 and pleaded guilty to manslaughter, for which he was sentenced to 10 years of probation.
Additionally, Deer has been ordered to forfeit his firearm.
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