On December 26, 2017, 31-year-old Colby Allen Rice was fatally shot in Bradley County, Arkansas. Rice, a resident of El Dorado, was known for his energetic and lively personality, his love for the outdoors, and his passion for racing cars. He is survived by his two sons, Ryan Landen Rice, 13, of Hermitage, and Brantlee Taylor Rice, 4, of Warren, as well as his parents, Robert Allen Rice and wife Melissa, of El Dorado. His family described him as someone who never met a stranger without a smile and who had a profound effect on everyone he met.
Following the incident, authorities arrested 36-year-old Laron Hayes Jr. in connection with the homicide. Hayes was apprehended at a residence on West Central Street in Warren, Arkansas. He was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree terroristic threatening, and aggravated assault. During his first appearance hearing, Hayes's bond was set at $1,000,000.
The investigation revealed that Hayes allegedly shot Rice and then pointed the gun at an eyewitness, leading to the additional charges of terroristic threatening and aggravated assault. Rice's brother, Dillan Rice, expressed his grief and frustration over the incident, highlighting the impact of his brother's death on their family.
Colby Rice's funeral services were held on December 31, 2017, at Landmark Baptist Church, with burial at Gravelridge Cemetery. His family and friends remembered him as a person who loved life and his family, and who would always help or add support to someone in need.
