Franklin County man takes plea deal, gets probation in manslaughter case

CHARLESTON, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A Franklin County man charged with murder last year took a plea deal on Tuesday, according to court documents.

Donny Deer, 27, was sentenced to 10 years of probation after pleading guilty to manslaughter. He was arrested on November 30, 2023 , on a first-degree murder charge.

Arkansas State Police said Daniel Davis, 43, died as a result of gunshot wounds he suffered during an altercation at a Charleston home.

Court documents say Davis was found by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office in the driveway with two gunshot wounds in his chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Deer said to investigators his girlfriend and her father got into an argument. The couple and their infant then left the home.

The affidavit said Deer returned to the home with a gun and the baby. Davis let them in, an altercation ensued and Deer fired a warning shot.

Deer told law enforcement that he was scared of Davis and fired two shots at him. He then “immediately called 911,” the affidavit said.

Davis’ body was found with a gun on it but Deer said he did not know he was armed.

In addition to his probation sentence, Deer is also ordered to have no contact with Davis’ family, forfeit his firearm and have his two star tattoos located on his left chest removed.

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