In the quiet, rural landscape of Lead Hill, Arkansas, a shocking discovery shattered the peace on October 3, 2015. Frank Simpson, a 60-year-old male, was found deceased, the victim of a brutal act of violence that also claimed the life of his friend, 61-year-old Helen Froehlich. The scene, as described in court documents, suggested that both individuals were 'taken by surprise' before their lives were abruptly ended by multiple gunshot wounds.
Authorities were first alerted to the potential for trouble two weeks prior, when a disturbance involving a firearm was reported at the Froehlich residence on Cedar Grove Road. During that incident, Glen R. Froehlich, the stepson of Helen Froehlich, had allegedly threatened his father and stepmother with a loaded rifle after being asked to leave the home. Though he fled before law enforcement arrived, a warrant was issued for his arrest. The grim discovery of the two bodies was made when a deputy, responding to a welfare check, met Albert Froehlich, Helen's husband, at the residence. Inside the home, they found Helen Froehlich deceased in her bed from gunshot wounds.
A further search of the property led to the discovery of Frank Simpson's body. He was found in a small apartment located in a barn on the Froehlich's land, where he had been staying. He, too, had suffered fatal gunshot wounds to his chest and head. Suspicion quickly fell upon Glen Froehlich, who was known to local law enforcement and had a history of violent offenses and prior felony convictions.
Following the discovery of the bodies, Glen R. Froehlich was arrested and faced serious charges for his alleged role in the double homicide. The Boone County Sheriff's Office charged the 35-year-old with two counts of capital murder. In addition to the murder charges, he also faced accusations of being a felon in possession of a firearm and cruelty to animals, painting a grim picture of the events that transpired in the small Arkansas community.
