Late Tuesday afternoon, Dallas County was contacted by Clark County law enforcement about an accident involving a three-year-old girl. Early reports that this child was riding in a front-end loader on a tractor and fell out while the tractor was moving. The victim sustained traumatic, crushing injuries. The victim was transported to the Children’s Hospital, where she later died. Her body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab. Dallas County Deputies were dispatched to the scene of the accident, which occurred on a property in the Dalark area on the Clark County line. Deputies documented the scene and collected evidence. On Wednesday, Major Brady Harmon and I conducted interviews with the stepfather and mother of the victim.
After further investigation and interviews, it was determined that the operator of the tractor had been consuming alcohol. Dallas County prepared affidavits to a circuit judge, and warrants were subsequently issued for Dewayne Owens and Melinda Shahan.
Dewayne Owens has been charged with Accidents involving death or personal injury, Endangering the welfare of a minor, 1st degree, Homicide- manslaughter by recklessly causing death, and Possession of a firearm by certain persons.
Melinda Shahan has been charged with Accidents involving death or personal injury, and Endangering the welfare of a minor, 1st degree
The suspects will have a first appearance later today for a bond hearing.
This is an ongoing investigation.
