Crime
Man Suspected in Fatal Shooting of Estranged Wife Found Dead in Apparent Suicide in Baxter County
Authorities in north Arkansas have confirmed that the man wanted in connection with a fatal domestic shooting in Bull Shoals was found deceased Monday afternoon in Baxter County.
According to law enforcement officials, 49-year-old Brooks Dean Due, of Briarcliff, was the primary suspect in the shooting death of his estranged wife, Susanne Due, which occurred earlier that morning.
The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office reported that Due’s body was discovered on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property near Shoal Creek Trail, close to Norfork Lake, approximately 70 to 75 yards off the road.
His death is believed to be the result of suicide.
Sheriff John Montgomery of Baxter County said his office was notified early Monday morning by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office that Due was a suspect in the deadly shooting and was possibly in the Baxter County area.
Deputies initiated a search at and around Due’s residence in Briarcliff.
Assistance was requested from multiple agencies, including the Arkansas State Police, which deployed a helicopter to aid in the aerial search.
A vehicle matching the description of Due’s — a 2013 black Dodge Avenger with Arkansas Disabled license plate 305607 — was located on Shoal Creek Trail shortly before 2:30 p.m.
The Arkansas Department of Corrections’ canine tracking team from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock was brought in to support ground efforts.
The team successfully located Due’s body just under an hour later. The Baxter County Coroner’s Office took possession of the remains.
Earlier in the day, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Arkansas State Police and the Bull Shoals Police Department, began investigating the fatal shooting of Susanne Due at a residence in Bull Shoals.
Sheriff Gregg Alexander confirmed that arrest warrants had been issued for Brooks Due on charges of First-Degree Murder and Violation of a Protection Order.
Authorities had warned the public that Due was considered armed and dangerous, advising anyone who saw him or his vehicle to contact law enforcement immediately and not to approach him.
At the time of the alert, he was described as 6’1″, 265 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes, possibly wearing a light-colored shirt and hat, and either clean-shaven or with a trimmed beard.
The investigation remains active and is being coordinated between the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas State Police, Bull Shoals Police Department, and the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and no additional suspects are being sought at this time.
GLEN BURNIE, Md. — Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting reported in Glen Burnie, Maryland, after an incident in which a suspect allegedly crashed a vehicle into a law enforcement agent.
Preliminary reports indicate that one suspect sustained a gunshot wound and was transported under a Priority B medical status.
Emergency medical services also responded to assist a law enforcement agent who reported neck pain; a second EMS unit was requested to provide additional medical evaluation and care.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting, including what prompted the vehicle collision and the use of force, have not yet been fully detailed by authorities.
Police have confirmed that the scene was secured, and standard investigative protocols for officer-involved shootings have been initiated.
No further information regarding the identities of those involved or the suspect’s condition has been released at this time.
Officials stated that additional details will be provided as the investigation continues.