Madison County remains confirmed homicide of missing woman

MADISON COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Human remains discovered in Madison County on Sept. 9 have been identified and are being investigated as a homicide.

The remains belong to Taylor Barksdale, who was reported missing on Sept. 5, according to Madison County Sheriff Ronnie Boyd.

Following the discovery, the remains were sent to the Arkansas Crime Lab for analysis to determine the cause and time of death; officials are still verifying whether this transfer occurred on Sept. 12 or 13.

Notably, a 911 call was made on Aug. 5 from the area where the remains were later found. Former Deputy Blake Hassell initially claimed he responded to this call but later stated he did not, according to Sheriff Boyd,

Hassell resigned on Sept. 11, shortly before a possible termination.

On Sept. 18, Sheriff Boyd released a statement to the Madison County Record, explaining that the delay in public communication regarding the remains was intended to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation. This release was subsequently posted on the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page on Sept. 20.

Barksdale’s remains were identified during a separate missing person investigation concerning Jason Lierl, which is also ongoing.

This investigation is ongoing, and no more information is available at this time, according to Boyd.

This is a developing story. Stay with KNWA/FOX24 for the latest.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.