VAN BUREN, Ark. — Police have arrested a Van Buren man in connection to the murder of his wife.
According to Crawford County Sheriff Jimmy Damante, deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call near Natural Dam between 2-3 a.m. on Sunday, July 3.
When deputies arrived, they found Kristina Cypert had been shot and died on the scene.
According to the Crawford County Sheriff's Department, Kristina's husband's aunt called the deputies before the shooting and reported that Kristina and her husband, Eathan Alan Cypert, were fighting. She called back moments later to tell them they weren't fighting anymore, according to the sheriff's department.
Deputies went to the location to check on Kristina and when they arrived she had already been shot and killed.
According to investigators, Eathan has a history of domestic violence. The latest Court records show he pleaded guilty to third-degree battery on June 29, 2021. A no-contact order was put in place for two women who are not Kristina. He was ordered to complete an evaluation at Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center for alcohol treatment, according to the sheriff's department.
The sheriff says detectives then put out a BOLO (be on the lookout) for Eathan. According to Sheriff Damante, Van Buren Police arrested Eathan later that morning at the nearby I-40 rest area.
He was being held at the Crawford County Jail on a $1 million bond and is facing a first-degree murder charge, but was transferred to the Franklin County Jail because a family member of Kristina's works at the Crawford County Jail, according to the sheriff's office.
An arraignment date has not been set at this time. No further details have been released.
Kristina's mother Debbie Cole says she is a mother of two, grandmother of two with two more grandkids on the way. Christina was 41 and about to turn 42 years old.
She says Kristina loved the outdoors, arrow hunting, camping and exploring creeks. The family is currently in the process of planning the funeral.
"She was a happy, happy person," Cole said.
Stay with 5NEWS for updates on this developing story.
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