Reward offered
State Police say an anonymous donor has provided a "substantial cash reward" for information leading to the arrest of whoever was responsible for the fire that killed Malvern lawyer John Haskins. Haskins and his wife were at home May 12, 2007, when they smelled smoke coming from the lower level. Haskins, who was in a wheelchair, died. His wife escaped. Press release on the jump.
We haven't yet reached police spokesman Bill Sadler to determine how "substantial" the reward is.
REWARD OFFERED IN INVESTIGATION
OF HOT SPRING COUNTY FIRE DEATH
INFORMATION SOUGHT IN TWO-YEAR OLD ARSON/HOMICIDE CASE
MAY 12, 2009
(LITTLE ROCK) - There may soon be new information in a two-year old
arson/murder investigation that State Police CID (Criminal Investigation
Division) Special Agents hope will lead to an arrest.
The Arkansas State Police has been contacted by an individual who has
asked to remain anonymous and has offered a substantial cash reward for
information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the person or
persons responsible for the fire which claimed the life of a Little Rock
attorney.
On the evening of May 12, 2007 John Haskins and his wife Heidi were
in the bedroom of their home located at 100 Riverpark Drive along the
Ouachita River near Malvern. Shortly after 9 PM the couple smelled
smoke which appeared to be coming from the lower level of the
split-level home.
Flames quickly engulfed the home and while there were exits at both
levels of the home, John Haskins who was dependent on a wheelchair for
mobility died in the fire. Heidi Haskins escaped the blaze.
Special Agents assigned to the case believe the fire was intentionally
set inside the lower level garage.
Since the investigation was opened by State Police numerous leads have
been developed, however with reward money now being offered, agents are
optimistic someone will come forward with additional information to
identify a suspect.
Anyone with information should contact Arkansas State Police CID,
Sergeant David Lafferty at (501) 767-8550 or the Arkansas State Police
Crime Hotline at (800) 553-3820.
Comments
Talking about crime.....God fearing Republican(s) I bet....do the clicky
Posted by: Cato![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 12, 2009 11:45 AM
Gosh, I knew John Haskins for more than 40 years (and knew his first wife long before he did) and was well aware of the fire and his death. This is the first time, however, that I've heard about arson/homicide being suspected. Quite a shock to say the least. Had understood it was an electrical fire.
Posted by: durangokid![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 12, 2009 03:47 PM