STATE

From page A3

the FBI with assistance from the Conway Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin O’Leary. ***

Pair in custody in connection with child death

HARRISBURG — A man and a woman were being held Friday in the Poinsett County jail in connection with the suspicious death of a child, according to Sheriff Kevin Molder.

Ridge Brandon Noel, 31, and Sherece Scott, 30, both of Weiner, were booked into the Poinsett County jail early Friday on suspicion of endangering the welfare of a minor-1st degree.

Molder said the investigation is ongoing and complex, after officials went to a house on South Street in Weiner after a report of a child being found unresponsive.

First responders arrived on the scene before police got there.

“Upon their arrival, it was confirmed that the child was deceased,” Molder said.

Authorities then began investigating the child’s death and contacted Arkansas State Police for help, with Special Agents from Company F arriving to aid in the investigation.

Law enforcement later served a search warrant at the house.

“A search warrant was executed at the property where the child was found. During the search, officers discovered and seized drugs, firearms (including one that was reported stolen) and a marijuana grow operation,” Molder said, noting more charges are expected soon in the case.

Noel was arrested at the residence and taken to the county jail.

On Thursday evening, Poinsett County authorities had asked people to be on the lookout for Scott, who had last been seen riding a brown bicycle with a backpack attached on Highway 49, north of Weiner.

She was considered a person of interest and later a suspect in the case, authorities said.

Deputies took Scott into custody at a Jonesboro motel around 1:45 a.m. Friday in connection with the case.

The child’s body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab in Little Rock to determine the cause of death.

Molder said the case has been difficult for all involved, with quick work by law enforcement and area residents leading to the arrests in the case.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. The swift collaboration between law enforcement agencies, local citizens and the fire department played a significant role in Scott’s quick apprehension. We thank the deputies, officers and investigators from the Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office, Weiner Police Department, Weiner Fire Department, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Game and Fish, Jonesboro Police Department and the Arkansas Department of Human Services,” Molder said in a statement. “Everyone worked diligently throughout the night and continues to investigate this case.”

NOEL

SCOTT