Harrisburg Woman Sentenced to 36 Years for Attempted Murder, Child Endangerment

JONESBORO, Ark. – A Craighead County jury on Tuesday convicted Christin Leeann Helms of Harrisburg of criminal attempt to commit murder and endangering the welfare of a minor, according to Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood.

Circuit Judge Chris Thyer imposed the jury’s recommended sentence: 30 years for attempted murder and six years for child endangerment. The sentences will run consecutively, totaling 36 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

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In 2021, K8 News reported Helms was arrested after she purposely crashed her 2003 Jeep Liberty into a tree on Highway 163 in Craighead County. When emergency personnel spoke to her daughter, 12, the young girl said her mother stated she was going to wreck the vehicle and kill them both.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Charlene Davidson and Katherine Calaway prosecuted the case following an investigation by local law enforcement and delays attributed in part to the COVID-19 backlog.

“This case demonstrates the progress we’ve made in restoring public safety, where juries are committed to holding offenders accountable,” Calaway said. “While no sentence can undo the harm caused, this maximum sentence sends a clear and necessary message: violence and child endangerment will not be tolerated.”

Davidson praised the effort behind the conviction.

“This case is a powerful reminder of the courage of survivors and the critical role of law enforcement,” she said. “Though delayed by pandemic-related challenges, justice has now been served thanks to the new Craighead County courthouses, a dedicated jury, and the bravery of a child who faced her abuser in court.”

Hagood said her office remains committed to pursuing serious crimes.

“This conviction underscores our continued commitment to working with law enforcement and our community in the fight for justice,” she said. “My team will continue to pursue cases vigorously and ensure that serious crimes are met with serious consequences.”