JONESBORO, Ark. – A Craighead County jury found Russell Dewayne Malone guilty of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Nicholas Childs. Malone, who had four prior felony convictions, was sentenced to 50 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections as a large habitual offender.
The shooting occurred on March 10, 2023, at the Kum & Go convenience store at Southwest Drive and South Culberhouse in Jonesboro. Surveillance footage from the store captured the events leading up to the shooting, which provided vital evidence in the case.
The investigation, led by the Jonesboro Police Department with support from Detective Josh Wiiest and the Real-Time Crime Center, was crucial in securing the conviction.
Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jessica Thomason thanked the jury for their service, saying, “The jury sent the message that Craighead County will not tolerate violence of any kind.”
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Presley Noel added, “This conviction reflects our commitment to ensuring that those who commit violent crimes are held accountable for their actions.”
Sonia F. Hagood, Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney, noted the importance of addressing violent crime: “The loss of life in this case is senseless, and we will continue to fight for justice to ensure our communities are safe from those who would seek to harm others.”
Prosecutors stated that the conviction serves as a reminder that those who commit violent acts will face accountability under the law.
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