Arkansas woman found stabbed to death, suspect in custody

FORREST CITY, Ark. — A woman is dead after police say she was stabbed to death on Wednesday morning in Forrest City, Arkansas.

The victim has been identified as 68-year-old Mary Lee Hunt. She was found in her home, stabbed multiple times.

Forrest City Police said Willie Brandon is charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. He is jailed on $500,000 bond.

According to Forrest City Police Chief Ronald Broussard, this was a domestic incident and the knife used during the murder was found at the scene.

Gregory Hamilton, a member of the victim’s family, says he immediately knew Hunt was in trouble.

“I felt something wasn’t right anyway so by 10, 11, I got a call to come over this way,” said Hamilton.

Hunt was the matriarch of the family, booming with personality.

“Sweet, don’t bother no one, she’s going to talk her little mess, good woman,” said family friend Clyde Hamilton.

Hamilton said Hunt was stabbed 25 times — “It’s crazy. That’s overkill, you stab a person 25 times.”

Broussard says evidence led them to right to her alleged killer’s home, where his bloody clothes were still in the washer machine.

“She was a fighter, and her being a fighter is what gave us the significant clues with the knuckles being bloody and with evidence of her struggle,” Broussard said.

• Democrats take aim at Supreme Court with eyes on November
• Here’s how the process to replace Biden works if he withdraws
• Heritage faces blowback after ‘bloodless’ revolution comment
• Graceland hosting All-American weekend
• Woman says thieves trolling social media to steal lost dogs

Chief Broussard says this typically quiet and close knit neighborhood is stained with violence.

“We are rocked,” he said. “She was a sweet person. She was a little feisty something but a sweet person.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.