According to Fulton County Sheriff Jake Smith, Staci Hickman, who faces multiple charges in Fulton County including murder, abuse of a corpse and felon in possession of a firearm has been found fit to stand trial.
“On April 3, 2025, the Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Arkansas State Hospital that Stacie Hickman was fit to stand trial. Hickman was transported back to the Fulton County Detention Center. Hickman’s next court appearance is set for April 7. 2025,” Smith said.
The charges against Hickman stem from an incident June 1, 2023 when authorities were contacted by a man who stated there was a body lying at his gate located on Briarwood Road.
Fulton County Jake Smith and Lt. William Fawcett responded to the call and found the body of 59-year-old David Southerland.
Southerland had a wound to his back, had been severely beaten to his head, barbed wire was around his neck and an attempt had been made to burn his body.
While investigating, authorities found a can of lighter fluid near Southerland’s body.
On Jun 2, authorities learned on May 30, Hickman borrowed a vehicle before leaving the home and asked Southerland who was present to follow her.
After leaving the property, the caller stated that was the last time he saw Southerland.
The truck which was borrowed was returned the following day around 12 noon.
A resident who resides in a shop building nearby told authorities he heard the truck drive in but did not hear one leave.
The two men both stated Southerland had left in his own white Dodge Caliber car and that Southerland and Hickman were friends.
After Southerland’s body was discovered and it appeared he had been murdered, a theft report was made for Southerland’s vehicle which was spotted late on the evening on June 2 by Salem Police Officer Jim Griffin.
The vehicle was found to be occupied by Hickman and she was placed under arrest.
On June 3, Hickman was interviewed and confessed to shooting and burning Southerland’s body.
She stated the firearm she used was the rifle that was found and seized from the pickup truck she had borrowed days prior.
Hickman stated during the interview Southerland was trying to get some land Hickman stated she was supposed to get.
According to the affidavit, Hickman had also sent a text message to her father May 31, stating “Hey it’s on the property.. have a little issue but I have it taken care of via our loyalty to the land and convo didn’t go well but umm let them know I’ll be there shortly. I’m fixin to pull in.”
As a result, Hickman has been charged with murder in the first degree, a class Y felony; felon in possession of a firearm and abuse of a corpse, a class C felony. Her bond was set at $1,000,000.
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