David Alan Southerland, a 58-year-old resident of Mountain Home, Arkansas, passed away on June 1, 2023, in Viola, Arkansas, although some sources incorrectly state the date as May 30, 2023.
The circumstances of his death were violent and involved severe injuries. Southerland was found at the gate of a property on 1174 Briarwood Road with severe damage, including a gunshot wound, burns, and a piece of barbed wire wrapped around his neck.
The investigation into his death led to the
arrest of Stacie N. Hickman, who was found in Southerland's vehicle at the State Highway Department building on June 2, 2023. The vehicle had been reported as stolen. Hickman was charged with 1st Degree Murder and Abuse of a Corpse, along with an additional charge of Theft by Receiving, a class D felony.
David Alan Southerland was born on June 22, 1964, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to Vonnie Lee Southerland and Betty Jane Southerland. He worked as a carpenter and enjoyed activities such as fishing, riding his motorcycle, and driving his car. He was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend, leaving behind his mother, Betty Southerland; son, Jason Southerland; brother, Lee Southerland; two sisters, Teresa Smith and Elaine Buttino; and other relatives and friends.
