By TAMARA JOHNSON
Managing Editor
A Jonesboro teenager is charged with capital murder after allegedly stabbing his uncle to death outside his parents' home in the Grobmyer Circle housing project during the weekend.
Joseph Mucherson, 18, originally from Forrest City, was arrested by the Forrest City Police Department in the early morning hours on Saturday, a short time after the stabbing occurred, according to police. Police reported the suspect, who still had the pocketknife and was wearing blood-soaked clothing, was located in the Grobmyer Circle area and taken into custody without incident.
FCPD Investigating officer Sgt. John Riggins said the suspect allegedly stabbed his uncle, Sammie Mucherson, 42, during a disturbance involving several family members. Riggins said the family members were arguing over a videotape of a grandmother's birthday party when the fight started just before 3 a.m.
Riggins said Sammie Mucherson had been asked to leave his brother's residence at 298 Grobmyer Circle, but came back a few minutes later, continuing the previous argument. Mucherson was knocked to the ground by other family members, according to Riggins, who added that the teenager then reportedly used his pocketknife to stab the victim over 20 times.
Sammie Mucherson was pronounced dead at the scene.
After his arrest, Joseph Mucherson was transported to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Forrest City where he was treated and released for wounds to his right hand that he reportedly received during the altercation.
Mucherson is being held without bond in the St. Francis County Jail. His first court appearance was scheduled for this afternoon.
In a separate stabbing incident Saturday afternoon, a Forrest City man was discovered behind the CARE Center on Rosser Street with numerous stab wounds.
Fred Banks, 32, 823 Mann St., Apt. 106, is listed in critical condition today at the Regional Medical Center in Memphis. Due to the severity of Banks condition, he was transported by helicopter from the Grant Street parking lot after 4 p.m., according to police.
The FCPD reported Banks told them he was visiting at an apartment occupied by Donald Webb at 317 N. Washington when he began arguing with Shirley McGaughy, 42. Banks told police McGaughy allegedly stabbed him in the stomach area.
McGaughy was arrested at Webb's residence a short time after Banks was found. She is being held in the St. Francis County Jail on a charge of first-degree battery. Her first court appearance was scheduled for this afternoon.
McGaughy told police she was not the one who had stabbed Banks, but that it was someone else in the home. She reportedly told police she was in the bathroom when the incident occurred.
The investigation is continuing.
By DAVID NICHOL
T-H Staff Writer
Long-time Forrest City City Attorney Knox Kinney has submitted his resignation, effective Aug. 5.
In a letter, Kinney cited health and family reasons for resigning. He also said he was withdrawing as a candidate for re-election.
Mayor Larry Bryant this morning said Kinney will be missed.
"He has served with distinction for more than 30 years, and he will be missed," said Bryant. "He has a tremendous amount of institutional knowledge."
Kinney recommended that Chris Morledge be appointed as interim city attorney.
Alan Cline is a candidate for the position in the November election.
The text of the letter of resignation is as follows:
"Due to my recent hospitalization and the wishes of my family, I hereby resign as your City Attorney, of the City of Forrest City, effective Monday, August 5, 2002. My candidacy for City Attorney in the November 5, 2002, election is hereby withdrawn.
"This position, of course, will need to be competently staffed by an interim appointee to serve out the remainder of this calendar year. It is my recommendation that the Mayor and Council vote to appoint Chris W. Morledge as Interim City Attorney. He has already agreed to perform in this capacity and is well qualified in this regard, and should be compensated as such.
"It has been a tremendous honor to have served our community in this position for over thirty years.
"In closing I wish to thank you, and our fellow Forrest Citians, for the opportunity to serve as your City Attorney."
The Forrest City Junior Auxiliary and the St. Francis County Museum will present Discovery Room 2002.
The program will be held July 24 through July 26 at the museum from 10 a.m.until noon for ages four to 12.
Each day will feature its own style and special guests.
On Wednesday Elaine Bartee, a renowned music teacher from Jonesboro, will teach the children patriotic songs, games, and dances.
Amy Turner, a cheerleading specialist and coach, will teach cheers, chants and the National Anthem Cheerleading dance for Thursday's Red, White, and Blue Celebration theme.
Friday is Patriotic Banner Day. Children will learn to paint large canvas banners under the guidance of Meredith Reeves Poe. Poe designed the banners in support of America and the people who serve our country.
Discovery Room 2002 is chaired and co-chaired by Sylvia Heustess and Kristen Casbeer. There is no charge and no pre-registration is required.