MARION, Ark. — A Crittenden County jury has found Owen Watson guilty of rape following a trial that revealed he repeatedly sexually assaulted his girlfriend’s 13-year-old daughter, resulting in the child becoming pregnant. Circuit Judge Randy Philhours sentenced Watson to life in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
The case was prosecuted by Elected Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Adam Holman. The investigation began after the victim bravely disclosed the abuse to authorities, leading the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office to launch a comprehensive investigation.
“This conviction and sentence reflect the strength of one incredibly brave child and the commitment of an entire system determined to protect her,” said Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood. “We are deeply grateful to the jury for their service and to the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office for their thorough and professional work on this case.”
Hagood emphasized the importance of community support for survivors:
“These results are only possible when victims find the courage to speak the truth and when society stands ready to protect them. We must continue sending a clear message to victims—especially young girls—that they will be heard, believed, and protected. That is exactly what this Crittenden County jury did. They stood with this child. They delivered justice.”
Owen Watson was remanded into custody following the verdict and will serve a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
The National Sexual Assault Hotline is confidential and available 24/7. The number is 800.656.4673.
You can also chat online with crisis support at online.rainn.org.
More resources and information about RAINN can be viewed here.
The Family Crisis Center, Inc. is a local resource available to help if you’re in need.
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