Arkansas Prosecutor Finds Deadly Force Justified in Franklin County

A Franklin County Sheriff’s Office deputy was justified in using deadly force during a May 15 incident that left three people dead, according to Arkansas Fifth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Phillips.

The incident began when two Franklin County deputies responded to a reported stabbing on Cat Holler Road.

Deputies Respond to Reported Stabbing

When deputies arrived, they found 62-year-old Roy Lee Murphy inside a residence with multiple stab wounds. Murphy was deceased.

Deputies then encountered 54-year-old Patrick Poole, who was fleeing toward a residence. After additional law enforcement support arrived, including Franklin County SWAT and Arkansas State Police troopers, Poole was seen on the roof of the home holding a knife.

Poole eventually re-entered the residence through a window.

Suspect Shot During Struggle With Deputy

SWAT officers breached the home and located Poole. During an attempt to take him into custody, authorities said Poole resisted and tried to take a deputy's firearm.

A second deputy fired two rounds, striking Poole. He was later pronounced dead.

Authorities also found 55-year-old Jody Grinder deceased inside a bedroom.

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At the request of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, special agents with the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division investigated the officer-involved shooting.

Prosecutor Rules Deadly Force Was Justified

In a letter dated August 14 to Arkansas State Police, Prosecuting Attorney Phillips determined the deputy's use of deadly force was justified.

Phillips said the deputy reasonably believed deadly force was necessary to protect himself and other officers from the imminent use of deadly physical force if Poole gained control of the deputy's weapon.

As with all incidents, the determination by the prosecutor is based on the information gathered during the investigation.

Arkansas State Police

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