A Paragould man is in custody after police say he sent death threats to a woman and continued contacting her even as she reported him to authorities.
Donald Watson, 32, was charged with first-degree terroristic threatening, a Class D felony, and harassing communications, a Class A misdemeanor. Greene County District Court Judge Curtis Hitt set Watson's bond at $150,000 cash or surety and ordered him to wear an ankle monitor and avoid contact with the victim if released.
According to an affidavit, the victim first approached the Paragould Police Department on Sept. 30 to report repeated harassment. She claimed Watson had been sending her threatening text messages despite her requests for him to stop calling or messaging.
Police detailed escalating threats in the messages Watson allegedly sent, which included statements like, "I’m not going to leave you alone until your dead,” and, “When I see you tomorrow morning, when you get out of your car it’ll be quick and painless."
During a follow-up interview with the victim on Oct. 1, Detective Cpl. Tron Beesley reported that Watson called the victim and was placed on speaker. According to Beesley's affidavit, Watson admitted during the conversation to making threats against the victim and her family.
Two weeks later, on Saturday, Oct. 17, Paragould police arrested Watson and transported him to the Greene County Detention Center. Watson remains in custody awaiting further proceedings.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue reviewing evidence and addressing the victim’s claims.