SHIRLEY, Ark. — A Van Buren County man has been charged with First-Degree Murder in the death of his 68-year-old father.

On November 6, 2025, the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Arkansas State Police (ASP) after Russell B. Branscum, 68, was found deceased inside his home, located at 14114 Highway 110 near Shirley. 

ASP Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Special agents identified the victim’s son, Brian J. Branscum, 31, as a suspect and tracked him to a Hot Springs hotel, where he was taken into custody Saturday, November 8, 2025, and charged with the murder of his father. 

The deceased was transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, where the manner and cause of death will be determined.

Brian Branscum’s arrest was the result of a coordinated effort by investigators in ASP CID Companies A, C and E.