PRESS RELEASE

A 73-year-old Brinkley woman found dead in her apartment late Friday (October 28th) is believed to be the victim of a homicide and Arkansas State Police Special Agents have arrested a local homeless man on charges of capital murder, aggravated robbery and burglary.

Brinkley police officers were dispatched to the Sunset Apartments on West Walnut Street about 2:30 AM, Thursday (October 27th) following the report of a break-in.  Friday afternoon, family members of Shirley Bodkins found her body in an apartment.  Her body has been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory where the state medical examiner will determine the exact manner and cause of death.

Local police contacted the Arkansas State Police to investigate the murder.  While documenting the crime scene, special agents of the state police Criminal Investigation found evidence that led them to begin a search for 29-year-old Juwan Swanigan.

On Saturday (October 29th) state police agents, with the assistance of Brinkley police officers, located Swanigan who is now being held at the Monroe County Jail.  The investigation into break-in and murder is continuing.