TRUMANN, Ark. — Investigators discovered suspected human remains early Friday morning during the execution of a search warrant on Pine Avenue in Trumann, officials confirmed.
According to Trumann Police Chief Doug Thomas, SWAT teams from Trumann and Poinsett County were serving a warrant at a property in the 400 block of Pine Avenue when the remains were located. The remains have not yet been positively identified.
"At this time, the remains cannot be positively identified," Chief Thomas said in a statement. The remains have been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab in Little Rock for analysis, which will determine both the identity of the deceased and the cause of death.
Residents in the area speculated that the remains might belong to Rebecca Montgomery, also known as Rebecca Spray, who was reported missing by her family last week. Jessica Williams, Montgomery’s niece and a resident of Searcy, was among family members present near the scene on Friday.
“I’ve been searching for her,” Williams said. “You can go on my Facebook and you look. I’ve searched and searched and searched. The world’s searched.”
Trumann Mayor Jay Woods urged the community to be patient as the investigation continues and to refrain from social media speculation.
“It’s just a sad day," Woods said. "It’s unfortunate that the city, but more unfortunate that the family, is going through this. Keep these families in your prayers and allow the police department, state police, and FBI to do their job.”
Chief Thomas confirmed that Rudy Ray has been arrested in connection with the case. Ray faces charges of tampering with physical evidence and abuse of a corpse, both felonies. He was taken into custody in Franklin, Tennessee, and is being held at the Williamson County Jail on a $1 million bond while awaiting extradition to Arkansas.
"We do expect further charges in this investigation," Thomas said.
The investigation, which involves both state and federal agencies, remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet confirmed any connection between Ray and the missing person case, and identification of the remains is pending further examination by the crime lab.
For now, police are asking the community to respect the sensitivity of the situation and await further updates as more information becomes available.