July 1, 2025
TRUMANN, ARK. — On Friday, June 27, 2025, Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division arrested Taylor David Rhoades, 25, of Pocahontas, in connection with a fatal crash on Interstate 555 near Trumann that resulted in the deaths of two Paragould residents.
The wreck occurred on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at approximately 7:30 p.m. Rhoades was driving a 2010 Ford Focus northbound on I-555 when his vehicle struck two men who were standing near a car parked on the shoulder near the 23-mile marker. Tyler Slayton, 36, and Jacob Ward, 31, both of Paragould, were repairing a flat tire when they were fatally struck. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene by the Poinsett County Deputy Coroner.
A Poinsett County Sheriff’s Deputy later observed Rhoades’ vehicle with significant damage and conducted a traffic stop. Evidence discovered during the stop linked the vehicle to the fatal incident.
Rhoades has been charged with Negligent Homicide, DWI, Careless or Prohibited Driving, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Injuries. He appeared before the Poinsett County District Court on Monday, June 30, where his bond was set at $100,000. Rhoades is currently being held in the Poinsett County Detention Center in Harrisburg.