Almost a week after the tragic discovery of a woman and her two children dead in Bonanza, Arkansas, authorities have provided new insights into the ongoing investigation into their deaths. The Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) initiated the investigation after responding to a welfare check on December 3, where officers found 40-year-old Charity Powell-Beallis and her 6-year-old twin children, both victims of gunshot wounds, inside a residence.
In a statement released on December 9, the SCSO revealed that twelve search warrants are currently in process, with six already executed. They highlighted that numerous interviews have been conducted and a substantial amount of evidence has been collected, though autopsy results remain pending. The investigation is being supported by multiple agencies, including the Arkansas State Police, Bonanza police, Greenwood police, Fort Smith police, and the Sebastian County Prosecutor’s Office, alongside assistance from the U.S. Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security.
On the day of the discovery, responding officers were aided by two workers at the residence, who helped them gain access. Initially, authorities expressed that there was no ongoing threat to the public, providing some reassurance amid the community’s shock and grief.
Family members of Powell-Beallis have been vocal about their sorrow and confusion surrounding the incident. Randy, the victim’s father, expressed heartbreak over the loss of his grandchildren, describing them as “perfect, beautiful children.”
The day after the bodies were found, Powell-Beallis’s son, John, indicated that the family had not yet received information from law enforcement regarding the case. Further investigations revealed that Powell-Beallis was in the midst of a divorce from her ex-husband, Randall Beallis, with a final hearing scheduled just a day before the tragic events unfolded. Confirmation from the Sebastian County circuit court clerk noted that while documents related to the divorce were available, the final hearing outcome had not been documented or disclosed.
As the investigation continues, community members remain in mourning, grappling with the loss and awaiting answers about the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking case.
