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: Follow Up Info. Double Homicide

The Arkansas State Medical Examiners' office has confirmed the identity of one of the victims of the 11-26-06 house fire. Jamie Ellingburg (w/m/20 Texarkana, AR) was identified through dental records which were provided to the M.E.'s office. Forensics are still pending on the second victim.

In addition to positively identifying one of the victims, the Medical Examiner determined that both victims had sustained large incised wounds from an object that would be consistent with a large knife. Investigators believe that both victims had been killed prior to the occurrence of the house fire, but how long before is still under investigation. It is believed that some type of accelerant was used to cause the fire to spread and samples from the crime scene are being analyzed at the Arkansas State Crime Lab.

At this point, several items of personal property that belonged to at least one of the victims have been recovered from locations on both sides of town. Investigators are still looking into establishing a motive for this case and the investigation will continue for some time as there are numerous witnesses to interview and pieces of evidence to process. At this time there are no other suspects in this case.

All affidavits pertaining to this case have been submitted to the Miller County Courthouse and have been sealed. Our intent at this agency is to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and see that the case is successfully prosecuted.

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