Search warrant raises questions in Hot Springs hotel death first reported as suicide

HOT SPRINGS – A search warrant filed Monday in Garland County Circuit Court shows Hot Springs police detectives found evidence that did not match a witness account in a fatal shooting at the Sunbay Resort last week.

Officers were called to 4810 Central Ave. the night of Aug. 24 for a reported suicide. They found a 19-year-old man on the floor of room 509G with a gunshot wound to the head. LifeNet attempted life-saving measures. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

During crime scene processing, detectives found blood on the firearm. The affidavit states that “is not consistent with the witness’s statement.” Detectives also saw the victim’s phone next to his body. It was not collected at the time.

Detective Jose Castaneda sought a warrant the next day for rooms 509 and 509G, which are connected by an interior door, along with any occupants, their vehicles, and any safes or lock boxes. The warrant listed forensic evidence, DNA, latent prints, cartridge cases, ammunition, firearms, phones and video recording devices as items sought in what the affidavit calls a death investigation.

Officers served the warrant at 1:29 p.m. Aug. 25 and seized a blue iPhone and two swabs, according to the return.

The affidavit does not identify the witness or say whether anyone else was in the rooms at the time of the shooting. No arrests have been reported.

Arkansas Breaking News reported last week, based on police radio traffic, that officers on scene initially determined the wound was self-inflicted. Arkansas State Police and the Garland County Sheriff’s Office also responded.

The investigation is ongoing.

If you or someone you know is struggling, free and confidential help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.