Suspect arrested in Wynne homicide, charged with first-degree murder

36-year-old Edward Lampkin Jr. taken into custody at Forrest Park Cemetery

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:40pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent bullet casing on a dark, textured surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the forensic investigation of a homicide.The recovery of physical evidence is crucial in homicide investigations, exposing the stark realities of violent crime.Forrest City Today

A suspect has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with a fatal shooting earlier this week in Wynne, Arkansas. 36-year-old Edward Lampkin Jr. was apprehended by Arkansas State Police, U.S. Marshals, and a judicial task force at a cemetery in Forrest City.

Why it matters

Violent crimes like homicides are always concerning for local communities, and this arrest provides some resolution and closure for the victim's family and the Wynne area. The cooperation between multiple law enforcement agencies also highlights the importance of coordinated efforts to quickly apprehend suspects in serious criminal cases.

The details

According to authorities, Lampkin was arrested around 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday at Forrest Park Cemetery in Forrest City. The shooting occurred just before noon on Tuesday at the intersection of C Street and Fitzhugh Circle in Wynne, where 34-year-old Javon Beal was found suffering from gunshot wounds. Beal was transported to a local hospital but later died from his injuries. The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division launched a homicide investigation at the request of the Wynne Police Department.

  • The shooting was reported just before noon on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • Lampkin was arrested around 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.

The players

Edward Lampkin Jr.

A 36-year-old man who has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Javon Beal.

Javon Beal

A 34-year-old man who was fatally shot in Wynne, Arkansas on April 15, 2026.

Arkansas State Police

The state law enforcement agency that launched a homicide investigation and coordinated the arrest of the suspect.

Wynne Police Department

The local police department that responded to the initial 911 calls and requested the state police investigation.

U.S. Marshals Task Force

A federal law enforcement task force that assisted in the arrest of the suspect.

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What they’re saying

“We would not have seen the successful apprehension of this suspect without the Wynne and Forrest City police departments.”

— Mike Hagar, Colonel, Arkansas State Police

What’s next

Lampkin is being held at the Cross County Detention Center and is expected to appear in court for a bond hearing in the coming days.

The takeaway

This arrest demonstrates the importance of collaboration between local and state law enforcement agencies in quickly responding to and investigating serious violent crimes. The apprehension of the suspect provides some measure of justice and closure for the victim's family and the Wynne community.