LAVACA, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — An Arkansas special prosecuting attorney says no charges will be filed in connection with the July fatal shooting at a Lavaca home.
Special Prosecuting Attorney David L. Ethredge said in a news release on Friday that he completed his review of the July 10 shooting incident in Lavaca that left Richard Jones, 52, of Charleston, dead.
Ethredge, who represents Arkansas’ 14th Judicial District, said that Kermit Acosta acted in a “lawful manner under Arkansas law.”
“The investigation revealed that Mr. Acosta was confronted by Mr. Jones and reasonably perceived an imminent threat of serious physical injury or death,” Ethredge said in the release.
Ethredge’s decision came following the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office’s investigation and a review of all of the available evidence, including statements from three witnesses and information from the Arkansas State Crime Lab.
“This decision is based solely on the evidence and the law,” Ethredge said. “While any loss of life is a serious matter, the law recognizes the right of every individual to defend themselves when faced with an imminent threat.”
Jones’ family provided a statement to KNWA/FOX24 on Friday after it was announced that charges would not be filed against Acosta.
“Brad was a loving husband, father, and hardworking member of this community,” Brad’s wife
Sherry Jones said. “His life was taken without cause, and our family deserves justice. The
prosecutor’s decision does not change the truth of what happened, nor will it silence our pursuit
of accountability.”
Jones’ family said that they plan to file a wrongful death lawsuit against Acosta.
“If the criminal system will not hold him accountable, then we will fight through the civil
courts,” Jones’ daughter said. “Our father’s life mattered, and we will not rest until the truth is
recognized.”
This is a developing story. Stay with KNWA/FOX24 for the latest.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
