Murder-Suicide Suspected in Death of Two in Greene County

PARAGOULD, Ark. – Authorities have released more information about the death of two people on February 5 in Greene County, including that it is believed to be a murder-suicide.

At about 8:40  AM on February 5, 2024, emergency services received a call from a person concerned about Rebecca Edwards, 51, of Jonesboro. The friend said they they had not spoken to Edwards since February 2.

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A release from the Greene County Sheriff’s Department said Edwards was known to be the “on again, off again girlfriend” of Dewayne “Matt” Parnell, 49, who lived near the Finch community. Sgt. Tanner Hill of the sheriff’s department was dispatched to 1800-block of County Road 716, Parnell’s address, to attempt to make contact. He arrived at about 9:08 AM.

When Sgt. Hill arrived, no one answered the door or phone calls. However, Edwards’ and Parnell’s vehicles were both parked at the location. The deputy felt something was wrong and waited for backup to arrive before crawling atop an outdoor HVAC unit in order to view inside the home. In doing so, Sgt. Hill observed a body lying in the floor of the home. The deputy had legal authority at this point to enter the residence without a warrant.

Once inside, authorities found both Edwards and Parnell dead from gunshot wounds. An updated release from the Greene County Sheriff’s Department said Edwards was found to have two gunshot wounds – one to the head and one to the chest. Parnell was found to have one gunshot wound to the head. The release said it appeared Parnell’s gunshot wound was self-inflicted.

Both bodies were sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for autopsies to confirm cause and manner of death. Preliminary autopsy results were made available on Monday, February 12, confirming that this incident was a homicide/suicide.

This investigation will remain open pending the receipt of the full autopsy and toxicology reports for both subjects from the crime lab.

– Sheriff Brad Snyder