DNA evidence solves 2019 Hot Springs murder case | Regional News

An arrest has been made in connection with a murder in Hot Springs that occurred five years ago.

Rickey Wilson Jr. was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery in connection with the death of Kenneth Kelley Jr.

On June 13, 2019, Hot Springs Police officers went to Kelley's home on Portland 200.

In a statement issued Thursday, August 22, 2024, police said an item containing DNA was collected and sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab, where it was entered into CODIS (Combined DNA Index System).

On Monday, August 12, 2024, the Hot Springs Police Department Crime Lab reported that DNA evidence matched Wilson.

Warrants were sought and obtained for Wilson's arrest, and he was taken into custody without incident on Thursday, August 22, 2024.

Wilson is being held at the Garland County Detention Center on $500,000 bail.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact Lt. Scott Lampinen at 501-321-6789 (ext. 7707).