The identity of the victim who was shot Friday, Dec. 16 has been confirmed as Thomas Villanueva, 23, of 2305 West Avenue B. Hope, Ark.
The suspect 16-year-old suspect Jonathan Moreno is in custody and will be charged as an adult with capital murder and abuse of a corpse, Moreno is due for a first appearance by video at 2:00 P.M. today.
At approximately 9:56 A.M. Friday, Dec. 16, Hempstead County Deputies were called to a residence on County Road 2 near Hope in reference to a shooting.
While en route Deputy Jeremy Mc Bride received a description of a possible suspect riding a 4- wheeler leaving the scene. Deputy McBride stopped a 4-wheeler near the scene operated by a 16-year-old juvenile and took him into custody without incident. Other deputies continued to the residence where they discovered a deceased male’s body suffering a gunshot wound.
The matter remains under investigation by the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office and the Arkansas State Police.