Six people are now facing charges in connection with the death of a 21-year-old man at an Arkansas care facility last year.
Authorities say Zachary Moore died Sept. 7, 2025, while a resident at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center after being held in a prone position for approximately 13 minutes and chemically restrained.
Moore’s death was ruled a homicide, with the cause listed as physiologic stress associated with struggle and prone restraint.
Court records show Chekiona Jones, Marquez Williams, Karen Furlough, Neeyo Harding, Mark Thomas and Victor Booker have each been charged with manslaughter and neglect of a vulnerable person. All six are scheduled to appear in court March 30.
The incident led to the termination of 12 employees. Department of Human Services Secretary Janet Mann previously acknowledged “significant issues” in how the case was handled, and the agency has since implemented leadership changes and operational reviews at the facility.
Moore’s mother, Angela Stephens, is seeking a $725,000 settlement from the state. Both DHS and her attorney have declined to comment.
Stephens has described her son as happy and loving, noting he had developmental challenges and the mental capacity of a young child.
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