September 29, 2026

MALVERN, Ark. — At the request of the Hot Spring County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred near Malvern.

On Monday, September 28, 2026, around 7 p.m., HCSO deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting in the 300 block of Bayne Road.

According to witnesses, Linden Torchia, 70, was attempting to help his son, Michael Torchia, 31, jump-start a vehicle when a physical and verbal altercation ensued. Linden Torchia reported that Michael began arguing, then escalated the confrontation by striking the window of Linden’s vehicle with jumper cables and an unidentified metal object. 

During a physical altercation, Linden fired a weapon, striking Michael in the chest. 

The Hot Spring County Coroner pronounced Michael Torchia dead at the scene. His body was transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, where an official cause and manner of death will be determined.

No arrest has been made. Upon completion of the investigation, ASP CID Special Agents will submit the case file to the Hot Spring County Prosecuting Attorney for review.

The investigation is ongoing, and no other information is being released at this time.