17-year-old arrested in Jonesboro slaying

JONESBORO — After a warrant was issued last week for a juvenile in connection with the Aug. 14 murder of Madison Wilfong, an arrest was made on Wednesday evening.

Members of the United States Marshals Service Eastern Arkansas Fugitive Task Force and Jonesboro Police Departments Street Crimes Unit developed information that a suspect in the murder was at a residence in Jonesboro.

EATF and SCU members then attempted to locate the person of interest Wednesday evening at 5:15 p.m. and after several minutes of knocking, the 17year-old male suspect exited the front door of the residence with his hands up and was taken into custody without incident.

Police have not released many details, but said they received the call at 8:06 p.m. Aug. 14 in the 1000 block of Ferrell Street, which is between West Matthews and Nettleton avenues, near Annie Camp Junior High School.

Officer Jacob Lowry said in his report that he found Madison Deshun Wilfong, 19, lying on the sidewalk outside of the apartments.

Officers said they were unable to find a pulse. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The initial incident report listed seven witnesses, ranging from 14 to 34 years of age, and didn’t indicate whether Wilfong lived at the residence.

There was some indication the shooting stemmed from an argument over a drug deal.

Police said they recovered two bags containing a total of 15.2 grams (or 5.3 ounces) of marijuana at the scene.

Prosecutors haven’t said whether the suspect will be tried as an adult.

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OSCEOLA — United States Steel Corporation, through its Big River Works facilities, presented $1 million in donations to organizations in Osceola and Mississippi County on Wednesday to help equip the community for the future by strengthening infrastructure and essential services.

According to a press release, U.S. Steel convened a panel of local community leaders to advise the company on where its contributions would make the greatest impact. The grants were presented at a check-presentation ceremony on the steps of the Mississippi County Courthouse.

Among the donations is a more than $425,000 grant to Osceola’s South Mississippi County Regional Medical Center to relocate the emergency room, which was damaged by flooding, buy life-saving equipment and construct a helipad.

Other donations will:

• provide new equipment for Osceola’s police, firefighters, city services and first responders ($405,000).

• fund a program for at-risk youth by the Arkansas Northeast College Foundation ($80,000)

• offer additional funding for the Mississippi County Community Foundation and the Mississippi County Arkansas Economic Opportunity Commission, which both serve the broader community ($30,000 each).

• match a federal grant to improve Luxora Park ($20,000).

Daniel R. Brown, U.S.

Steel’s senior vice president of advanced technology steelmaking and chief operating officer of Big River Steel Works, said they are fortunate to be able to make meaningful contributions.

“U.S. Steel is committed to the communities where we live and work, because helping foster a thriving community is essential for everyone’s success,” he said. “Our acquisition of Big River Steel and investment in a new mill here is not just about delivering profitable steel solutions. It is also about making a positive economic impact on the greater Osceola community and helping revitalize its historic status as a bastion of American industry and innovation.”