A nearly three-year-old homicide case has been resolved in Izard County Circuit Court.
Thirty-three-year-old Stacie Hickman pleaded guilty Wednesday to first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse in connection with the death of 59-year-old David Southerland. The incident occurred May 31, 2023, in the Viola area.
Hickman was sentenced by Judge Tim Weaver to 31 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
According to court records, the case began June 1, 2023, when a 911 call reported a body at a residence on Briarwood Road. Responding deputies located Southerland deceased with a gunshot wound to his back, severe head injuries, barbed wire around his neck and evidence of an attempted burning. Investigators also collected items at the scene, including a partial can of lighter fluid.
Authorities were later told Hickman had borrowed a pickup truck the day before and asked Southerland to follow her. That was the last time he was seen alive. The truck was returned the following day, but witnesses reported no one was seen leaving it.
Southerland’s vehicle was subsequently reported stolen and later located in Salem with Hickman inside. She was taken into custody at that time.
Investigators say Hickman later admitted to shooting Southerland once with a rifle and attempting to burn his body. She told authorities the incident stemmed from a dispute involving property she believed she was supposed to receive.
The plea agreement comes two days after Hickman appeared in Fulton County Circuit Court, where she had initially rejected an offer from prosecuting attorney Drew Smith. Hickman had been scheduled to stand trial April 22 prior to accepting the plea.
Smith says his office was notified Hickman had changed her mind and wished to enter into the agreement, allowing the case to be resolved without a jury trial.
“Our office worked closely with the victim’s family throughout this case,” Smith said. “We hope this plea brings her some measure of closure while still ensuring that justice is served.”
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