On a tragic morning in Texarkana, Arkansas, the life of Bonderick Nard Jr., a 27-year-old Black/African American male, was cut short. On August 15, 2022, at approximately 8:05 a.m., his body was discovered inside his home in the 1600 block of Edwards Street. A neighbor made the grim discovery and also found a small, unharmed male child within the residence, who was subsequently placed in the care of family members.
Bonderick, known affectionately as 'BJ,' was born on August 2, 1995, in
the neighboring Texarkana, Texas. He was remembered for a bright smile that could light up a room and for being a friendly individual who never met a stranger. During his time at Liberty-Eylau High School, he was active in football. Nard had a passion for boxing, with aspirations of turning professional in the sport. He was a devoted father to six children: three daughters, Amaya, Ariel, and Ajanaee, and three sons, Bonderick III, Zayden, and Grayson. He cherished spending time with his children, often dancing with them, and also enjoyed his time at the civic club.
The investigation into Nard's death quickly led to a suspect. Later on the same day his body was found, authorities issued a capital murder warrant for Vance Allen Brown, a 29-year-old homeless man. Brown was apprehended shortly after the warrant was issued on the Texas side of the city. He was then transported to the Bi-State Jail to await extradition to Arkansas to face the serious charge.
The capital murder charge brought against Brown indicates that investigators believe the act was premeditated. Funeral services for Bonderick Nard Jr. were held on August 26, 2022, at Mt. Grove Baptist Church in Texarkana, Arkansas, followed by his interment at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department encouraged anyone with further information regarding the case to come forward and contact their Criminal Investigation Division or Crime Stoppers.
