JONESBORO, Ark. — A West Memphis suspect has been arrested on first-degree murder and firearm charges in connection with a fatal shooting Wednesday night in Jonesboro.
Rodarious Turrelle Johnson, 19, of West Memphis, was arrested after Jonesboro police responded around 8:15 p.m. May 6 to the 4400 block of Southbrook Drive following reports of a shooting.
When officers arrived, they found the alleged victim, Zadarius Olando Merritt, 21, of Jonesboro, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported by ambulance to a hospital, where he later died.
According to a probable cause affidavit, investigators learned Johnson and a female left the residence immediately after the shooting. They were later located and taken into custody in another county.
As the investigation continued, police learned there had been a dispute inside the residence before Johnson allegedly pulled a firearm and shot Merritt, the affidavit said. The residence belonged to Merritt and the female, according to the affidavit.
Johnson has a prior felony conviction prohibiting him from being in possession of a firearm, the affidavit said.
Johnson was arrested on charges of first-degree murder, a Class Y felony punishable by 10 to 40 years or life in prison, and possession of a firearm by certain persons, a Class D felony.
Bond was set at $2 million, cash-only, at the request of Prosecutor Sonia Hagood, who referred to Johnson as a threat to the community. Special Judge Ralph Wilson approved the requested bond, adding a condition for an ankle monitor.
Johnson’s next court date is June 26.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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