A Paragould man is facing multiple charges, including negligent homicide, after a fatal January crash in Craighead County that killed one woman and injured two juveniles. Authorities say toxicology results show the driver tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamines.
Larry Gene Ray, 57, is being held on a $100,000 cash or surety bond after a judge found probable cause to charge him with negligent homicide, driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, and other offenses. He is scheduled to be arraigned on September 30.
According to court documents, the crash occurred on January 21 along U.S. Highway 49. Investigators say Ray was driving a northbound Ford F-150 when he crossed the center turn lane and collided head-on with a southbound vehicle driven by Becky Annette Anderson, 58, of Imboden. Anderson was killed in the collision, while two juvenile passengers were injured and transported to a hospital for treatment.
Witnesses reportedly told Arkansas State Police that Ray attempted to switch seats with a passenger after the crash. He was also seen allegedly trying to hide an item in the grass near his vehicle, according to investigators. Troopers later recovered a package containing suspected marijuana from the area.
A blood sample obtained from Ray through a court-approved warrant was sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory. The lab’s toxicology analysis, which investigators received on June 1, confirmed the presence of methamphetamine, amphetamine, and dextromethorphan in Ray’s system at the time of the crash, officials said.
Ray was taken into custody and booked into the Craighead County Detention Center following the lab confirmation. In addition to the negligent homicide and driving while intoxicated charges, he faces counts of possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance, tampering with physical evidence, and obstruction of government operations.
The investigation into the case remains ongoing.