What In DeQueen

De Queen, AR – Community Faces Challenges Amidst Growth in Southwest Arkansas

DE QUEEN, AR – May 8, 2025 – De Queen, the heart of Sevier County in Southwest Arkansas, has been grappling with a series of significant events that underscore both the challenges and resilience of this tight-knit community. Recent developments, ranging from serious crime to economic progress, have kept De Queen in the regional spotlight.

One of the most pressing stories involves a tragic case that has shaken the community. A De Queen man, Jesus Chavez-Arellano, faces a murder charge in connection with the death of his six-year-old stepson on January 27, 2025. According to the De Queen Police Department, the child was found unresponsive at Walker Pediatric Care and was pronounced deceased at Sevier County Medical Center. An autopsy revealed the cause of death as internal bleeding from multiple blunt force traumas. The ongoing investigation, supported by the Arkansas State Police and the South-Central Drug Task Force, has left residents mourning and seeking answers.

Crime has been a recurring concern in De Queen. In another high-profile case, Hunter Chenoweth, a 25-year-old local, is set to stand trial from January 21-28, 2025, in Madison County Circuit Court for the capital murder of three family members—his mother, stepfather, and sister—in February 2021. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, marking this as one of the most serious cases in recent regional history. Additionally, a summer trial is scheduled for Thomas Eugene Whitt, a 66-year-old De Queen resident, who faces charges of rape, incest, and sexual assault. His trial is set for June 25, 2025, following a continuance granted in a pre-trial hearing.

Beyond these tragedies, De Queen has faced other public safety issues. On February 5, 2025, the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported threat at De Queen Junior High School, where a juvenile student allegedly threatened to bring a gun to campus. The swift response from local law enforcement led to the suspect’s arrest for terroristic threatening, ensuring the safety of students and staff. In a separate incident, a 17-year-old from nearby Nashville was charged with felony theft after breaking into Twisted Tines Outfitters in De Queen and stealing firearms on October 12, 2024.

Despite these challenges, De Queen is also seeing signs of economic promise. The South West Arkansas (SWA) Project by Smackover Lithium, a joint venture between Standard Lithium and Equinor, received a special designation as a priority critical mineral project under Executive Order 14241, issued by President Trump on March 20, 2025. This greenfield project, located in southern Arkansas, aims to achieve sustainable lithium production using Direct Lithium Extraction technology, potentially bringing jobs and investment to the region.

The community is also preparing for upcoming events that reflect its vibrant spirit. The Umpire Volunteer Fire Department, serving the broader Southwest Arkansas area, will host its annual Fish Fry Fundraiser on May 3, 2025, fostering community unity. Additionally, the Southwest Arkansas Homesteading Conference is scheduled for February 15, 2025, offering residents opportunities to learn sustainable living practices.

As De Queen navigates these turbulent times, the community’s resilience shines through. Local leaders and residents are calling for unity and vigilance while celebrating the economic and cultural initiatives that promise a brighter future. For the latest updates, visit Swark.info, your trusted source for Southwest Arkansas news.

Note: This story is based on recent reports from Southwest Arkansas, focusing on De Queen.