In the quiet community of Romance, Arkansas, a violent encounter on January 1, 2018, tragically cut short the life of 45-year-old Starla Exum. On that day, she and another individual, 54-year-old Timmy Dickson of Searcy, were fatally shot. The incident prompted a search for the person responsible, casting a shadow over the small town.
Authorities identified the suspect as 42-year-old Archie Lawhon III from Cabot.
As law enforcement searched for him, they urged residents in the area to remain indoors for their safety. The search for Lawhon eventually led deputies to a wooded area. There, they encountered him armed with a handgun. According to reports, Lawhon refused multiple commands to drop his weapon and was shot by the deputies as he approached them.
The investigation into the double homicide was handled by the White County Sheriff's Department with assistance from the Arkansas State Police. The events of that day left three people dead, including the suspect, and the community of Romance grappling with the sudden and tragic loss of one of their own.
