PRAIRIE GROVE, Ark. — Washington County officials have confirmed that Cecidrice Poole has pleaded not guilty to capital murder after a shooting that left one man dead in Prairie Grove on Thursday, May 18, 2023.
The Prairie Grove Police Department (PGPD) responded to an "armed person call with a gunshot victim" on Sundowner Ranch Avenue where police say that Poole, 39, entered the home and shot 40-year-old Cedric King with a rifle.
King was pronounced dead at the scene.
The report states that Poole didn't shoot anyone else in the home, even though he had the opportunity, indicating that King was "clearly targeted."
Police say Poole fled the scene in a vehicle, drove down the road, and shot at a residence while a 17-year-old was in the front yard. Poole reportedly later crashed into parked cars a few blocks away.
Witnesses observed and photographed Poole exiting his vehicle with a rifle before fleeing on foot, according to police.
Police say that when they located Poole, he did not have any weapons on him, but that he was carrying a plastic bag containing 26.81 grams of cocaine.
After further investigation and being taken to a hospital for injuries, Poole was taken to the Washington County Detention Center.
Investigators say they learned that Poole was upset after finding out that the mother of his 6-year-old child, who lives in the home, had another man in the residence with his daughter present.
According to police, five people including Poole's daughter were home when Poole shot and killed King.
Prairie Grove Police Captain Jeff O'Brien said that investigators worked "all night to interview witnesses. There were several people in the home that had to be interviewed to figure out the details of what happened and why it happened.”
A check of Arkansas court records shows that Poole is facing multiple charges, including capital murder and aggravated residential burglary. Court officials confirm that Poole has pleaded not guilty to capital murder, along with other related charges. His bond is set at $500,000.
Court records also show a long list of previous felony charges for Poole including kidnapping, drugs and gun charges.
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