FORT SMITH (KFSM) — The three juveniles arrested in connection to the death of a University of Arkansas-Fort Smith student have been charged.
According to Sebastian County Prosecuting Attorney Daniel Shue, Shakur Sharp, James Sharp and Dionte Parks were charged with first-degree murder, as well as two aggravated robbery accounts and kidnapping, all felony charges.
A probable cause affidavit stated that intruders broke into Kaleb Watson’s house, tied him up and demanded to know where any valuable items might be.
Watson pointed out where his wallet and phone were, and shortly after escaped his restraints, the affidavit stated. While struggling with an intruder, Watson was shot multiple times. The intruders then fled.
Witness told investigators that Shakur Sharp admitted that he and the two other suspects entered the residence to steal, that he shot Watson. Witnesses said that James Sharp admitted to plotting and participating int he crime, according to the affidavit.
Parks admitted to providing a tote bag and shoelaces to the Sharps, and also to ringing the front door bell so the other two could enter the house around the back, the affidavit stated.
The suspects will be arraigned on Wednesday (Feb. 3).
*Story published Thursday, January 28 at 11:51 p.m.*
A third suspect was arrested Thursday (Jan. 28) in connection to a robbery that left one man dead, according to the Fort Smith Police Department.
Dionte Parks, was taken to the Sebastian County Jail and is facing first degree murder charges, Sgt. Daniel Grubbs said.
Parks was arrested a day after Shakur Shanden Sharp, 16, and James Lariel Sharp, 15, were taken into custody in the Little Rock/North Little Rock area, Grubbs said. All three of the teenagers will be tried as adults and are facing first degree murder charges.
Grubbs said Parks came to the station to say that he had vital information. Investigators believe he was with the two other brothers at the time Kaleb Watson was murdered.
“The three collaborated together to try, as they describe, to hit a lick, to commit a robbery together,” Grubbs said.
Shakur and James Sharp were identified as suspect in the shooting death of Watson, 22, Saturday (Jan. 23), according to police. Watson died after he got into a struggle with an armed suspect during a home invasion robbery, police said.
According to witness reports two suspects, both black males wearing all black clothing and ski masks, came into the town home and attempted to rob the victim and a female friend at gunpoint, according to police. An altercation ensued between Watson and an armed suspect ending in multiple gun shots, police said.
