The deaths of two Fordyce residents in September were the result of a murder-suicide, the state Crime Laboratory determined.
The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division on Sept. 15 initiated a death investigation at the request of the Dallas County sheriff’s office following the discovery of a deceased couple inside a Fordyce residence, according to a news release. At approximately 11 a.m., sheriff’s deputies and Fordyce police officers responded to a report of two unresponsive individuals at a home in the 1700 block of West Fourth Street.
Authorities upon arrival found the bodies of David Parham, 81, and Holly Parham, 70, both of Fordyce. The Dallas County coroner pronounced them dead at the scene. Following autopsies, state Crime Lab medical examiners determined Holly Parham’s death was the result of homicide and David Parham’s death was ruled a suicide.
State police have announced their commission will hold a regularly scheduled monthly meeting at 10 a.m. Oct. 9 at the Arkansas State Police Administrative Headquarters, 1 State Police Plaza Drive in Little Rock.