In the quiet community of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, a domestic argument on October 19, 2015, escalated into a tragedy that claimed the lives of two women. Laura Reid, a 57-year-old female, and her 32-year-old daughter, Mary Ann Reid, were shot and killed in their home. The events of that evening stemmed from a series of disputes that had been simmering within the Reid family, ultimately leading to a violent and fatal conclusion.
The day of the incident, tension within the household
was reportedly high, with disagreements over finances and Mary Ann's parenting style. That evening, after Laura, Mary Ann, and another daughter, Heather, returned home from dinner, an argument erupted between Eric Allen Reid, Laura's husband, and his family. The conflict began over seemingly trivial matters, such as a child not eating their vegetables and the electric bill, but quickly escalated.
In the midst of the heated exchange, Eric Reid retrieved a handgun. He first shot his wife, Laura, and then turned the weapon on his daughter, Mary Ann. Another daughter, Heather, who was present and pregnant at the time, was also struck by a bullet in the arm but survived. The incident was witnessed by Mary Ann's two young children. After the shootings, Eric Reid instructed his surviving daughter to call 911 and report what he had done.
Law enforcement officers arrived at the Northwood Trail residence to find a horrific scene. Laura and Mary Ann Reid were deceased, and Eric Reid was taken into custody without further incident. He was subsequently charged with two counts of capital murder. During the investigation, Reid admitted to the shootings, stating to investigators that he 'got so mad or something.' He initially pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect, but was ultimately found guilty of two counts of capital murder. A jury sentenced Eric Allen Reid to death by lethal injection for the murders of his wife and daughter.
