Officer Chris Rankin

Public Information Officer

903-798-3187 (office) 903-260-0294 (pager)

903-824-4199 (cell) 903-798-3023 (fax)

Texarkana Arkansas Police Badge

Re: Capital Murder Arrest

Texarkana Arkansas Police arrested a 24-year-old female this morning on a charge of Capital Murder stemming from a July 27th incident.

On August 3, 2005 Detectives arrested 24-year-old RaKeesha Biddle (B/F) of Texarkana, Arkansas on one count of Capital Murder. The arrest stems from an incident that was reported at approximately 1:00 am on Wednesday, July 27, 2005. It was on this date that the suspect’s two-year-old son was taken to St. Michael’s hospital for emergency treatment. Upon arrival at the hospital the child was unresponsive and was airlifted to Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. The child was pronounced deceased on Thursday July 28, 2005 at 5pm at Children’s Hospital. An intensive investigation began immediately due to initial medical findings, which led officers to suspect that the child had been physically abused.

An autopsy conducted by the Arkansas State Crime Lab medical examiner revealed that the victim’s death was caused by blunt force trauma to his abdominal area. Detectives are continuing to investigate circumstances surrounding the case.

Biddle is currently being held without bond in the Texarkana, Arkansas City Jail. Capital Murder carries a maximum penalty of Death if convicted.

Photographs are available from the Office of the Public Information Officer.

Thank you and you can visit the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department online at http://www.txkusa.org/arkpolice.