Fulton County Homicide Case Closed After Suspect's Suicide

Prosecutors decline to file charges due to the primary suspect's death.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A double homicide case in Fulton County, Arkansas has been closed after the primary suspect, Jacob Lowell Smith, died by suicide while in custody. Prosecutors have declined to file any criminal charges, stating that the case is abated by Smith's death and there is no evidence linking any other individuals to the crimes.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities of criminal investigations when the main suspect dies before charges can be filed. It also raises questions about the impact of such tragic events on the victims' families and the local community.

The details

Tonya Stallings and Ashley Stallings were found dead in their Fulton County home on October 21, 2025. Investigators determined they had likely died from gunshot wounds several days earlier. Jacob Lowell Smith, who lived with the victims, was identified as a person of interest after a truck and firearms were reported missing. He was arrested on October 28 in Greene County, and DNA testing later matched blood on his clothing to Tonya Stallings. Smith died by suicide in custody on November 13, 2025.

  • The women were found dead on October 21, 2025.
  • Jacob Lowell Smith was arrested on October 28, 2025.
  • Smith died by suicide in custody on November 13, 2025.

The players

Tonya Stallings

One of the two victims found dead in their Fulton County home.

Ashley Stallings

One of the two victims found dead in their Fulton County home.

Jacob Lowell Smith

The primary suspect in the double homicide, who died by suicide while in custody.

Drew Smith

The Fulton County prosecuting attorney who declined to file charges due to the suspect's death.

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What they’re saying

“The Prosecuting Attorney's Office is declining to file any criminal charges at this time. The primary suspect is deceased, and any crime committed before his passing would of course be abated by death. The State has no evidence that any other individual was involved or present at the scene during the commission of the crimes.”

— Drew Smith, Prosecuting Attorney (KAIT)

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the complexities of criminal investigations when the main suspect dies before charges can be filed. It also underscores the impact of such events on victims' families and the local community, and raises questions about the role of prosecutors in deciding whether to pursue charges in similar circumstances.