A Casa man faces felony charges in connection with the 2021 killing of a Russellville teenager, the Pope County Sheriff announced in a news release Wednesday.
Authorities plan to arraign 40-year-old Stephen Watson on Friday for the murder of 17-year-old Savana Elliot, according to Sheriff Shane Jones’ press release. Elliot’s remains were found on October 23, 2021, in the Holla Bend National Wildlife Management Refuge.
Watson is serving a two-year sentence at the Arkansas Department of Corrections’ Grimes Unit in Newport, where he was charged with aggravated assault during his escape, according to inmate records.
Wednesday’s news release did not provide information on Elliot’s cause of death. Pope County authorities worked with multiple agencies, including Arkansas State Police and the FBI, on the nearly three-year investigation, the news release said.
Watson is scheduled to appear before Judge James Dunham of the 5th Judicial District on Friday morning, the press release said.
“Sheriff Jones would like to personally thank all agencies involved who assisted in this investigation and sends his heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Savana’s family,” the press release said. “May this arrest be the first step in bringing closure to this horrific event.”
