On the evening of April 9, 2025, a violent incident cut short the life of 42-year-old Brian Keith Jones, a man from the Fort Smith, Arkansas area. The shooting occurred at the Foxfire Club located at 421 N. 10th St. in Fort Smith. When police responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 7:41 p.m., they discovered two men with gunshot wounds. Jones and the other victim, 51-year-old Todd Jewell, were transported to a local hospital where they both succumbed to their injuries.
Brian Jones, born on May 30, 1982, was remembered as a man with a vibrant and charming personality, always ready with a joke. He was a 'Jack of all trades,' known for his willingness to help others and his love for the outdoors, which included activities like hiking, fishing, and exploring caves. A passionate sports fan, he ardently followed the Arkansas Razorbacks, St. Louis Cardinals, and Dallas Cowboys. He is survived by his wife, Shannon Jones, and a stepson, among other family members and friends.
The investigation into the double homicide quickly led law enforcement to identify a suspect: 45-year-old Nephesh Ruach of Spiro. According to the owner of the Foxfire Club, Ruach had been a customer for eight years but had been previously banned from the establishment. On the night of the shooting, a new bartender was on duty who was unaware of the ban and did not ask him to leave.
A multi-agency task force, including the Fort Smith Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Arkansas State Police, and the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office, located Ruach the following day, April 10, at a residence on North 38th St. He was apprehended at around 3:05 p.m. after attempting to flee on foot. Nephesh Ruach was subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Brian Jones and Todd Jewell. He later pleaded not guilty to the charges.
