Tonya Stallings, Ashley Stallings Obituary, Death News – Authorities in Arkansas have released additional information regarding an ongoing investigation into the deaths of two women discovered in a Fulton County residence earlier this week. The Arkansas State Police (ASP) confirmed that the individuals found deceased were 54-year-old Tonya Stallings and 33-year-old Ashley Stallings, both residents of Ash Flat. Officials have also named a person of interest connected to the case as 32-year-old Jacob Lowell Smith, also from Ash Flat.
According to ASP, the investigation began on Tuesday around 3 p.m., when deputies from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) responded to a welfare check at a home located in the 300 block of Sweet Clover Lane. Upon arrival, deputies entered the residence and discovered the two women unresponsive inside. Emergency responders confirmed that both individuals had passed away before help arrived.
State police officials immediately launched a joint investigation alongside the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The home was secured as a potential crime scene while investigators gathered evidence and spoke with neighbors and witnesses in the area.
The bodies of Tonya and Ashley Stallings were transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, where medical examiners will conduct autopsies to determine the official cause and manner of death. Those results are expected to play a key role in understanding what occurred prior to law enforcement’s arrival. Authorities have not yet released further details on the timeline of events or the possible relationship between the victims and the identified person of interest.
Officials identified Jacob Lowell Smith, 32, as a person of interest in connection with the case. While police have not confirmed his involvement, they are urging anyone who may have seen him or who has information about his location to contact authorities immediately. Members of the public can reach out to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office at (870) 895-2601 or call 911 if they spot him. Law enforcement officials have cautioned that the investigation is ongoing and that Smith is not officially charged at this stage.
The discovery has deeply unsettled the small community of Ash Flat, a quiet area in north-central Arkansas where serious crimes are uncommon. Local residents expressed shock upon learning of the incident, describing the neighborhood as peaceful and tight-knit. Many have taken to social media to share condolences and prayers for the victims’ family and loved ones, while others have expressed concern and hope that authorities will soon bring clarity to the situation.
ASP and FCSO investigators spent much of Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning collecting evidence from the scene and interviewing individuals who may have information related to the case. Forensic teams were seen entering and leaving the residence as they conducted a detailed examination. Officials have not disclosed whether there were any signs of forced entry or disturbance prior to deputies’ arrival.
State police have said their primary focus is to establish a clear timeline of events leading up to the discovery and to identify anyone who may have had contact with the victims in the hours before their deaths. The investigation remains open and active, with law enforcement treating the case as a high priority.
Authorities are asking residents in the area to remain vigilant and to report any unusual activity or relevant information, no matter how small it may seem. Tips can be shared anonymously with Crime Stoppers or directly with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.
As the investigation continues, officials have requested patience from the public, noting that accurate information takes time to verify. Once the autopsy results and additional evidence are reviewed, ASP and FCSO plan to release further updates.
For now, the community of Ash Flat mourns the loss of Tonya and Ashley Stallings as state police work diligently to uncover what led to this heartbreaking event.
