Crime
Who is Kerri Rollo? Vandalizing Charlie Kirk memorial in front of Bentonville Court House
UPDATE: Two Bentonville women were arrested Wednesday in connection with vandalizing a memorial dedicated to Charlie Kirk outside the Benton County Courthouse.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office learned Tuesday of a vandalism incident at the courthouse involving the makeshift memorial, according to a Sheriff’s Office news release.
A video that had been posted online shows a person tearing up a sign and kicking items comprising the memorial, which had been set up at the bottom of the courthouse steps in downtown Bentonville.
Following a “swift investigation,” detectives identified and arrested two women in connection with criminal mischief in the first degree, a misdemeanor: Kerri Melissa Rollo, 23, and Kaylee Heather Rollo, 22, both of Jonquilla Way in Bentonville; Kaylee Rollo faces an additional charge of obstruction of governmental operations, according to the release.
Both were being held Wednesday at the Benton County Jail with no bond set.
Kirk, a conservative political activist, was assassinated during a public appearance Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
BENTONVILLE, AR — Authorities have confirmed that an Arkansas Tech University student was involved in the defacement of a public memorial honoring activist Charlie Kirk in front of Bentonville Court House.
Police identified the individual as Kerri Melissa Rollo who appeared in a widely circulated video allegedly damaging the memorial alongside her younger sister.
According to the Arkansas State Police, Rollo was previously arrested during a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 71, near a rest area, where she was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jacqueline Nichole Maberry, 20, was also taken into custody during the same stop and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Following the release of the video, Rollo’s connection to Bella’s Table, a restaurant in Bella Vista, drew public scrutiny. Community members contacted the business demanding accountability.
In response, Bella’s Table issued a public statement addressing the situation:
“We understand your outrage over this incident. The individual who defaced the Charlie Kirk memorial does not represent or define our company, nor the hard-working team that serves our community every day. This person’s actions are not a reflection of our standards, values, or culture. Please know that we are addressing this matter internally with the seriousness it deserves. We ask that the dedication and professionalism of our broader staff not be overshadowed by the poor choices of one individual. Our commitment remains to honor our values and provide a respectful and positive experience for all.”
Additionally, sources confirmed that Rollo has been removed from the residence where she was living at the time of the incident.
The Bentonville Police Department continues to review the defacement case, though no additional charges have yet been announced in relation to the vandalism.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.