Arkansas State Police Investigate Overnight Officer-Involved Shooting in Helena-West Helena

An overnight standoff and officer-involved shooting at a home on 202 Washington Street in Helena‑West Helena left three people dead, Arkansas Department of Public Safety officials said. The DPS statement named the two female victims found in the front yard as Christina Fulmer, 36, and Deanna Thomas Banks, 28, both of Helena‑West Helena, and identified the man who died after officers fired as Raymond Lewis Williams, JR, 37.

"The Arkansas State Police is investigating the death of three individuals after a double homicide and an officer involved shooting in Phillips County," the DPS release said. As officers approached the residence, the department reported, they "located two female victims in the front yard. Christina Fulmer, 36, and Deanna Thomas Banks, 28, both of Helena-West Helena were deceased upon the officers arrival."

According to the DPS narrative, the incident escalated when Williams exited the front door holding a rifle as officers approached the home. When officers took cover, Williams "fled back into the home, where he barricaded himself." Helena‑West Helena Police requested Arkansas State Police SWAT assistance as efforts to reach Williams continued.

"Communications with Williams were unsuccessful through the evening, and after multiple attempts to communicate tear gas was deployed in to the home," the DPS statement said. The department says that "soon after, Williams appeared on the front porch of the residence with a rifle and fired at officers." State troopers returned fire; DPS confirmed that "state troopers then fired on Williams, who died at the scene."

Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division agents were contacted about the officer-involved shooting, with the ASP release noting agents "were contacted at 1:38 a.m." The DPS said the bodies of all three individuals "will be sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory to determine the manner and cause of death." The release also detailed next steps: "Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division will be prepare an investigative file to present to the county prosecuting attorney who will decide if the shooting was consistent with Arkansas laws regarding the use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer."

Pursuant to departmental policy, DPS confirmed that "the state troopers who fired on Williams are presently on paid administrative leave." The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division is leading the probe out of Little Rock; DPS lists its administrative location as One State Police Plaza Dr, Little Rock, AR 72209.

Investigators have not released additional forensic details, whether any officers were injured, or whether Williams has been officially identified as a suspect in the double homicide. Neighbors near 202 Washington Street should expect continued investigative activity while the Crime Laboratory and the county prosecuting attorney review the case.