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.
Crime
Two Children Killed, Two Others Critically Injured in Angleton-Area Shooting, Mother in Custody
ANGLETON, Texas — Authorities are investigating a tragic shooting in Brazoria County that left two children dead and two others critically injured early Saturday morning.
According to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), deputies were dispatched around 5:00 a.m. after a distressed woman called 911, reporting that her son had attempted to kill her and that multiple children were in the vehicle with her.
Deputies located the woman and the children at a gas station on State Highway 288B near FM 521.
Investigators believe the shooting occurred elsewhere, and multiple agencies are now working to determine the exact location of the incident.
Upon arrival, deputies found four children suffering from gunshot wounds. A 13-year-old and a 4-year-old were pronounced dead at the scene.
An 8-year-old and a 9-year-old were airlifted to a nearby trauma hospital in critical condition.
Authorities later confirmed both surviving children are expected to recover.
Initial reports indicate that all individuals involved have been accounted for, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.
A female adult—believed to be the children’s mother—has been taken into custody.
While investigators initially received conflicting information suggesting one of the children may have been responsible, authorities now believe the adult female was the shooter.
In a statement, the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office said:
“All individuals believed to be involved have been detained, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. While the details are still developing, the loss of two children in such a manner is a tragedy. Our thoughts are with the family and everyone affected as we continue to learn more about this heartbreaking situation.”
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it is assisting Brazoria County investigators at a related residence in Montgomery County, believed to be connected to the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims or the suspect pending notification of next of kin.
The investigation remains active.