In a quiet corner of Jonesboro, Arkansas, the life of 84-year-old Larry Dean Boyd, a male Air Force veteran and former local business owner, came to a tragic and unexpected end. On the morning of May 8, 2023, he and his wife, 80-year-old Othelana Josephine 'Josey' Boyd, were discovered deceased in their home on Highway 351 North. The Craighead County Sheriff's Department was called to the scene, and it was quickly determined that the couple were victims of a double homicide.
The news of their violent deaths sent ripples of concern through the community.
The investigation into the double homicide led authorities to a familiar name: Jonathan Dean Boyd, the 62-year-old son of Larry Boyd and stepson of Josey Boyd. A warrant was issued for his arrest, and he was considered armed and dangerous. On May 21, 2023, Jonathan Boyd was apprehended and taken into custody. He was subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder, aggravated robbery, and theft of a firearm in connection with the deaths of his father and stepmother. His bond was set at a steep $5 million, reflecting the serious nature of the allegations against him.
For a time, it seemed as though the case was on a path to resolution. Jonathan Boyd remained incarcerated as the legal process unfolded. However, in a surprising turn of events, the charges against him were dismissed in June of 2025. The prosecuting attorneys filed a motion to drop the charges, citing new crime lab results that prompted a need for further investigation into the case. Following the judge's approval of this motion, Jonathan Boyd was released from the Craighead County Detention Center. The investigation into the murders of Larry and Josey Boyd is now considered ongoing, leaving their family and the community still searching for answers and justice.
