Arkansas Blog

There have been no developments so far today in the beating Sunday night of KATV morning anchor Anne Pressly, who was found Monday morning unconscious, suffering from severe blunt trauma injuries, in her Country Club neighborhood home. She remains in critical but stable condition at St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center. Police have announced no progress in the search for a suspect and, until now, leads appear to be few.

Pressly's family issued this statement this morning:

The family of Anne Pressly would like to thank all of you who have prayed for Anne and for us, for your visits, your calls and the many ways you've reached out to us at this very difficult time. 

We are appreciative of the outpouring of love we've received - obviously out of your love for Anne.  We are overwhelmed by your affection; the care Anne's physicians and nurses have given her, the diligence of the Little Rock Police Department in this investigation and local and national reporters who have respected our privacy. 

Anne has a long struggle of recovery ahead of her.  She is a fighter, a strong, healthy and physically fit young woman.  We expect her to recover completely.  We ask that you continue to pray for Anne and for us.  We very much appreciate the blood donations that you've given in Anne's name.  Rest assured that the sacrifice of your own blood will be used either to help Anne or to help someone else who needs it. 

Now our family needs private time.  Please respect our wishes and give us time to heal as a family - privately - without visitors.  We will issue statements as Anne's condition improves.  Today Anne is in critical but stable condition.

The Family of Anne Pressly

UPDATE: Several motorists reported a large group of LRPD, roughly eight cruisers and 15 people, searching along the eastbound lanes of Cantrell Hill around 2 p.m. today. Has a bit of evidence been found? Or do police have a tip that led them in that direction? It may be unrelated to the Pressly case entirely, but .... (Update on the update: The search proceed eastbound along Cantrell toward downtown. An officer confirmed to us that the search was mounted to look for clues related to the Pressly case, but not based on a specific tip or discovery of other evidence.)

KATV and Little Rock Police Department Crimestoppers have set up a reward fund for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. Contributions may be made to the fund at any Arvest Bank. Contributions should be directed to the Anne Pressly Reward Fund.

Police spokeswoman Cassandra Davis said there were otherwise no developments to report in the Pressly case today. It is still being investigated as a robbery because one of Pressly's purses was missing. (A purse was found in her car, but police say they still believe another purse is missing. Davis wouldn't say if the purse in the car contained a wallet with identification, credit cards and the like.) Otherwise, she said police do not know enough to say if Pressly was specifically targeted or the victim of a random attack. If police have found anyone who's said Pressly reported threats, stalkers or disturbing feedback from any stories she's reported, they aren't saying.