Arkansas Mother and Children Found Dead After Divorce Hearing

Autopsy reveals mother killed children before taking her own life

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Charity Beallis, 40, and her two young children were found fatally shot in their Arkansas home on December 3, 2025, a day after Beallis attended her final divorce hearing. Authorities have now released the results of autopsies, which concluded that Beallis killed her two children before taking her own life.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the devastating impact that divorce and custody battles can have on families. It raises questions about mental health support and resources for those going through difficult separations, as well as the need for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable children in such situations.

The details

According to the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office, deputies found the bodies of Charity Beallis and her two children, believed to be around 6 years old, after responding to a welfare check on December 3, 2025. Autopsies revealed the children died by homicide and Beallis died by suicide. The investigation found that Beallis did not want the divorce from her husband, Dr. Randall Beallis, 57, and that she had represented herself in the contested divorce and custody hearing the day before the incident.

  • Beallis filed for divorce from her husband on March 5, 2025.
  • In February 2025, Beallis and her husband stopped living together.
  • On December 2, 2025, Beallis attended her final divorce hearing.
  • On December 3, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., the bodies were discovered.

The players

Charity Beallis

A 40-year-old Arkansas woman who was found dead along with her two young children in their home.

Dr. Randall Beallis

Charity Beallis's 57-year-old estranged husband, who was ordered to begin joint custody of the children after the divorce hearing.

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What they’re saying

“An examination of the transcripts of the deposition of Mrs. Beallis in the divorce/custody case and the final hearing on the case on 12-2-2025, reveal that she wished to be reconciled to her estranged husband, which did not happen.”

— Sebastian County Sheriff's Office (People.com)

What’s next

The investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine if any additional measures could have been taken to prevent this outcome.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for greater mental health support and resources for individuals and families navigating the complex and emotional process of divorce and custody battles. It also highlights the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of children in such situations.