Hot Springs, Arkansas — The Hot Springs Police Department arrested a local woman on Tuesday following a deadly shooting that happened the day before. The incident happened around 1:45 p.m. on Monday, February 9, outside a home on Cypress Street. When officers arrived, they found 44-year-old Rodrick Harris lying on the front porch with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police worked quickly to identify a suspect in the case. Detectives named 35-year-old Monique Wimbley as the person of interest. With support from the Garland County Tactical Response Team, Wimbley was taken into custody without incident and booked on charges of first-degree murder and a terroristic act.
The arrest brought some relief to neighbors who had watched police tape cordon off the street and wondered how something so violent could unfold mid-afternoon. People living nearby said they had never seen anything like this in their quiet part of Hot Springs.
Authorities have not revealed why they believe Wimbley was involved or what might have sparked the shooting. As the investigation continues, police say they are following every lead and will produce more details when they are ready.
For many in the community, the news of Harris’s death hit close to home. He was 44 and known by many as a friendly presence on the block. His sudden death has left an emotional mark on friends and neighbors alike.
Some residents say they feel a mix of sadness and disbelief, trying to understand how a familiar face could be taken so abruptly. Others are focused on how law enforcement handled the aftermath and the swift arrest of a suspect.
As Wimbley faces serious charges, the focus now turns to the courtroom, where her fate will be decided. Meanwhile, the neighborhood watches and waits, hoping for some sense of closure in the wake of a tragic loss.
At the end of the day, both the story of a life lost and the story of a suspect’s arrest are deeply intertwined in a community still finding its footing after a shocking event.
