By TAMARA JOHNSON
Managing Editor
Three men were shot to death Friday inside a Crow Creek residence.
The girlfriend of one of the victims found the bodies of the three men when she returned home from work Friday evening.
St. Francis County Sheriff's Department Chief Investigator Glenn Ramsey said the three suffered numerous gunshot wounds inside the residence located at 518 Gore Street.
Ramsey identified the victims as Dewayne Stewart, 27, 1731 Indian Hills, Forrest City; and brothers Dylan A. Boyd, 31, 146 Franklin St., Forrest City, and Carl Boyd, 21, 208 E. Davis St., Forrest City. Ramsey said even though the Boyds' address is listed as Forrest City, the two are believed to have been living at the Crow Creek residence. It is unknown at this time if Stewart was also living there or just visiting at the time he was murdered.
Ramsey said Dylan Boyd's girlfriend came home from work Friday evening and found the bodies of all three men in a back bedroom. She then fled to a neighbor's house where the neighbor called 911.
Ramsey said he is waiting for a report today from the State Crime Lab in Little Rock. He said each victim died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds.
It is believed the victims were killed between 10:30 a.m. and 12 noon, according to Ramsey, who added that neighbors have been interviewed regarding activity in the area during the day on Friday. "So far, we've not found any neighbors who've said they heard or saw anything," Ramsey said.
As for possible motive, Ramsey said that is being investigated along with possible suspects in the murders.
The sheriff's department is being assisted in the investigation by the Arkansas State Police, the Forrest City Police Department and the Madison Police Department.
Forrest City's annual Christmas Parade rolled on time and braved the threat of inclement weather, to be proclaimed a success Friday night.
Rain which had fallen all through the day stopped long enough for the parade.
"In spite of rainy weather, the parade was a success," said Mary Beth Doler, information director for the Forrest City Area Chamber of Commerce.
"We were kind of worried along about the middle of the afternoon Friday, but we held out hope and it turned out," she continued. "We'd like to thank everyone who joined us for it, and we're looking forward to next year."
The theme was "A Patriotic Christmas." Among the floats was a special float honoring local Purple Heart Veterans.
Awards were given to floats in several categories, and bands also received awards.
In the Church Division, First Baptist of Forrest City won with a large cross and children watching a baseball game. Second place was Emmanuel Baptist Church of Forrest City. Oak Hill Church of God of Forrest City took third.
In the School Division, Calvary Christian School of Forrest City had a float with kids, balloons and a large flag to take first place. Taking second was Caldwell Elementary of Caldwell.
In the Civic Division, Cross County HIPPY of Wynne took first with a happily decorated float full of kids. Second place went to the East Arkansas Enterprise Community of Forrest City.
There was a Novelty Division, and taking first place was the Forrest City Masonic Lodge. Taking second was the St. Francis County Chapter of UAPB Alumni.
There were two Industrial/Commercial divisions -- large and small.
In the Industrial/Commercial-Small Division, White Motor Co. displayed a carousel with Uncle Sam and other characters on it to take first place. First National Bank of Eastern Arkansas won second. Taking third was Crestpark Skilled Care of Forrest City.
In the Industrial/ Commercial-Large Division, a crowd pleasing float featuring, among other things, replicas of the World Trade Center towers and an American Eagle, took first place for the Federal Correctional Institution-Forrest City. Taking second was First National Bank of Wynne.
In the Senior High Band Division, Helena Central High took first place and Forrest City High School took second.
In the Junior High Band Division, Miller Junior High School Band of Helena took second and the Forrest City Junior High Band took second.
Fire destroyed a trucking company just north of Forrest City Friday night.
According to Forrest City Fire Department Chief Dan Curtner, firemen responded to a fire at Lytle Trucking Company at 3996 Highway 1 North, just before 11 p.m. Friday.
Forrest City firemen assisted the Caldwell Fire Department in fighting the blaze along with firemen from the Palestine, Colt and Wynne fire departments.
According to Curtner, duck decoys are manufactured at the business which was reported to be a total loss.
Curtner said firemen remained at the scene until about 4 a.m. Saturday.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
Three city council meetings are scheduled for tonight in St. Francis County.
The Widener City Council will meet at 6 p.m., and the Madison and Hughes city councils will each meet at 7 p.m. The meetings will be held at each city's city hall.
On Tuesday, the Forrest City Advertising and Promotions Commission is scheduled to meet at 2 p.m. at the Forrest City Area Chamber of Commerce office.