On New Year's Day in 2018, the community of Romance, Arkansas, was shaken by a violent incident that resulted in the deaths of three people. Timothy Todd Dickson, a 54-year-old Caucasian male from Searcy, was found shot to death in what was determined to be a double homicide. Alongside him was 45-year-old Starla Exum of Romance, who also succumbed to fatal gunshot wounds. The discovery of their bodies prompted an immediate investigation by the White County Sheriff's Department, with assistance from the Arkansas State Police.
Authorities quickly identified a suspect in the double murder, 42-year-old Archie Lawhon III of Cabot. A search was launched for Lawhon, and residents in the area were cautioned to remain indoors as the manhunt ensued. Lawhon was eventually located by deputies in a wooded area.
When confronted by law enforcement, Lawhon was armed with a handgun. According to official reports, he refused repeated commands from the deputies to drop his weapon. The standoff concluded when deputies fatally shot Lawhon. His death brought an end to the search for the man responsible for the killings of Timothy Todd Dickson and Starla Exum.
