In the early morning hours of Sunday, September 11, 2022, a sense of normalcy was shattered in a residence in the 600 block of North Tennessee Street in Blytheville, Arkansas. Inside, 37-year-old James Franklin Brehm, known to his loved ones as 'Frankie,' was with his wife, Elizabeth Alvarado. The peace of the morning was violently interrupted when both were shot. Blytheville Police responded to the incident at approximately 8:30 a.m., discovering a grim scene.
Both Frankie and Elizabeth were rushed to Great River Medical Center for treatment of their gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Frankie succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. Elizabeth was later transferred to Regional One Medical Center in Memphis to receive further care for her injuries.
Frankie was a lifelong resident of Blytheville, born on October 25, 1984. A graduate of Blytheville High School, he was known for his work in rental maintenance for Iacampo Properties. He was described as a loving husband and a dedicated father figure to his stepdaughter. Those who knew him remember his enjoyment of large family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and his unwavering support for the Razorback football team. His sudden and violent death left a void in the lives of his family and friends, who laid him to rest on September 19, 2022, at Sandy Ridge Cemetery in Blytheville.
The investigation into the shooting quickly led to arrests. In the days following the incident, two juveniles were taken into custody in connection with the crime. The pursuit of justice did not end there. Nearly a year later, on September 12, 2023, the Blytheville Police Department announced the arrest of a third juvenile linked to the 2022 homicide. Due to their status as minors, the identities of the three individuals arrested in connection with the murder of James Franklin Brehm and the shooting of Elizabeth Alvarado have not been publicly released. The investigation remains ongoing as the legal process unfolds to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
