JUNE 23, 2022
By Ethan Nahté
A criminal charge of capital murder was filed late today against Roderick Deshawn Lewis, 37, of North Little Rock. Lewis had been arrested by Perry County sheriff’s deputies earlier on the evening of June 22 and was to be detained on drug and paraphernalia charges.
Lewis was being booked into the Perry County Jail at Perryville when he is alleged to have shot detention officer Jeremiah Story. The gun reportedly used by Lewis was one he possessed when he arrived at the jail in the custody of local sheriff’s deputies.
Story, 21, of Oppelo was shot about 10:20 p.m. while he stood inside a bathroom inside the jail where Lewis was changing out of civilian clothes into jail issued attire. Story died later at a Conway hospital.
It has been reported that an affidavit states Lewis’s gun jammed as he attempted to fire again. 3 people and two stun guns were used to subdue Lewis. A witness to the shooting was able to disarm Lewis who was later transferred to the Faulkner County Detention Center at Conway while state police special agents continue their investigation.
The investigative case file being prepared by the criminal investigation division agents was turned over to the Perry County prosecuting attorney who was to consider the appropriate charges to be filed against Lewis. Later on the same day, Lewis was charged with capital murder.
Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are continuing their investigation.
Lewis is currently incarcerated at the Faulkner County Jail.
Attorney General Leslie Rutledge released the following statement:
“Detention Officer Story served our state and our country honorably. My heart aches for Jeremiah’s family and friends as well as the entire Perry County Sheriff’s Office. Every day, our men and women in blue put on their badge with a desire to pursue justice, no matter the cost. Arkansas is blessed to have dedicated officers who always answer the call to serve their community. Join me in praying for the family and friends of Detention Officer Story, the Perry County Sheriff’s Office and the entire law enforcement community.”
The Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office also released the following statement on their Facebook page:
“Sheriff Ryals and all of us at Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office extend our hearts and prayers to the family, friends, and colleagues of Perry County Detention Officer Jeremiah Story, who was tragically killed in the line of duty last night.”
Harris Funeral Homes in Morrilton, Arkansas, will hold the following services for Story: Visitation, on June 27, 2022 at 5:00 p.m., ending at 8:00 p.m., at Harris Funeral Homes, 1325 Oak St., Morrilton. The funeral service will occur on June 28, 2022 at 2:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church- Perryville, 207, Perryville, Arkansas. The service will be livestreamed on YouTube
More Stories
Montgomery and Polk County drug courts to receive funding award and naloxone kits
Judge urges residents to take the broadband challenge process
UARM offering eclipse views through the Science Club’s telescopes