Arrest Made In Connection With Death Of Mentally Disabled Man

44 year-old Shawn Edward Howard was arrested Wednesday, April 8 in connection with the death of a Ft. Smith man in February.  On February 10, Howard reported Jimmy Don Abner missing, at which time a Silver Alert was issued.  He was the live-in caretaker for Abner, 57, who had the mental capacity of a five year-old.  Abner also suffered from Alzheimer's.

Abner's body was found on February 12 in Cedarville in a wooded area.  Cause of death was determined by an autopsy to be dehydration and sepsis.  The autopsy also stated he had experienced pressure necrosis in his right hip and thigh due to protein-calorie malnutrition.  Abner weighed 92 pounds at the time of his death.  The affidavit states the death is ruled as a homicide.

Howard was booked into the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center with no bond.  Arraig- nment is scheduled for Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.

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