In the quiet town of Sheridan, Arkansas, the stillness of a winter morning was shattered on January 19, 2017, by an act of violence that would forever alter the community. Austin Moody, a 17-year-old male, was found shot to death in the driveway of his home, a single gunshot to the head ending a life full of promise. A junior at Sheridan High School, he was known for his outgoing and friendly nature, a bright kid who was always smiling and loved by everyone.
His sudden and tragic death sent shockwaves through the small town, leaving friends and family grappling with an unimaginable loss.
The investigation into Austin’s murder quickly uncovered a sinister story of obsession and stalking. The focus of the investigation soon centered on 45-year-old Rusty Draper. It was revealed that Austin had been dating a girl who was previously in a relationship with Draper's son. This connection appeared to be the catalyst for Draper's menacing behavior. In the time leading up to the murder, Austin had expressed concerns to his parents that Draper was stalking him. This fear was not unfounded, as a series of unsettling incidents had occurred. Austin had experienced a suspicious flat tire, and similarly, his girlfriend's mother and brother also had their tires slashed. Near Austin's neighborhood, homemade spikes were discovered, and materials consistent with these spikes were later found in Draper's home.
A week after Austin’s death, Rusty Draper was arrested and charged with capital murder. The evidence against him was substantial. His DNA was found on the. 410 gauge shotgun that was discovered near Austin’s body. Investigators also determined that Draper had lied about his whereabouts on the morning of the murder. He had claimed to be at work, but it was discovered that he had actually taken a vacation day. In a plea agreement to avoid the death penalty, Draper admitted to his guilt. He confessed to going to a cemetery near Austin's house on the morning of the murder, where he drank alcohol before driving to Austin's home. There, he purposefully shot the teenager with a. 357 revolver with the intent to kill him.
Rusty Draper pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison. The conviction brought a sense of closure to the community, though the pain of Austin's loss remained. However, Draper's time in prison was short-lived. On March 31, 2019, just over two years into his life sentence, he was found in need of medical assistance in his inmate barracks and died later that night. The Arkansas State Police and the Department of Correction opened investigations into his death. While the legal chapter of Austin Moody’s murder came to a close, the memory of a vibrant young man, whose life was stolen too soon, continues to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
