Harrisburg, Ark. – Martin Lilly and Jessica Thomason—deputy prosecuting attorneys—and Keith L. Chrestman prosecuted 20-year-old Cameron Dean Wray for the 2020 beating death of 87-year-old Mack Rhoads.
After a four-day trial, a Poinsett County jury Thursday found Wray guilty of second-degree murder and aggravated robbery. And Circuit Judge Cindy Thyer followed the jury’s recommendation and sentenced Wray to 16 years’ imprisonment.
On 16 April 2020, law enforcement responded to a 911 call and proceeded to 103 Brigance Avenue in Marked Tree. Police and emergency service providers found Rhoads bound and bludgeoned to death on his bedroom floor. An investigation led to the arrest of Jordan Alexander Ratton and Wray. In 2021, Ratton pleaded guilty to first-degree murder.
Lilly and Thomason thanked the Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office, the Arkansas State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their work. Prosecuting Attorney Keith L. Chrestman praised the deputy prosecutors: “We never met Mr. Rhoads. But we got to know him through his family. And we don’t doubt that they’ll never stop missing him. He suffered a violent and cruel death, but I’m pleased that Lilly and Thomason’s dedication and hard work achieved some degree of justice. And I’m thankful for their continued willingness to serve.”
Press Release
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