July 1, 2025
Remains of a man found in White County 36 years ago have been identified as 30-year-old Karl Brian Hooten of Vilonia.
The remains had been unidentified since they were discovered on April 20, 1989, off Swinging Bridge Road in Antioch. An autopsy performed at the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory determined the victim had been shot. Investigators determined Hooten lived in Faulkner County at the time of his death.
In 2024, the victim’s DNA was submitted to the Othram forensic lab in Woodlands, Texas, where scientists developed a comprehensive DNA profile.
In January of 2025, results from the testing alerted investigators to potential familial DNA matches with the unidentified victim. White County Sheriff’s Office detectives and investigators from the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Cold Case Unit conducted interviews and collected additional familial DNA samples, which were submitted for examination and comparison. On June 13, 2025, the victim was identified as Hooten.
The White County Sheriff’s Office and ASP CID continue to investigate the case. Anyone who knew Hooten or has information about him or his death should call ASP at (870) 931-0043 or the White County Sheriff’s Office at (501) 279-6279.
