NEWPORT, Ark. – Henry Boyce, Third Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney, filed charges in the June 12, 2017 murder of Newport Police Department Lt. Patrick Weatherford today. A 16 year-old juvenile from Newport was charged as an adult with Capital Murder, Attempted Capital Murder, Breaking or Entering, Theft of Property, and Possession of a Handgun by a Minor.
The Jonesboro Sun reported the teen’s name is Derrick Heard, 16, of Newport.
The defendant is being held in a juvenile detention center and is expected to appear in Jackson County Circuit Court on Thursday, August 3, 2017 before Third Judicial District Circuit Judge Harold Erwin.
Tyler Calamese, 18, of Newport will reappear in Jackson County Circuit Court on August 3, 2017. Calamese was charged today with Breaking or Entering, Theft of Property, and Furnishing a Deadly Weapon to a Minor. Calamese has been in custody since the evening of the shooting of Lt. Weatherford.
A false news report by KAIT – Region 8 News in June had stated he was charged with capital murder when, in fact, he was not charged with anything. Now, it appears he will not face any murder charges. KAIT News Director Josh White did not return request for comment.
Boyce said, “This investigation has been an intensive effort and we are confident the evidence in the case will support the charges filed today.”
NEA Report had difficulty reaching Boyce or his office Wednesday. His quote and information were provided in a press release sent out late in the day.
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Keep him locked up