Man facing charges in connection with death of Jacksonville woman who went missing in 2024
JACKSONVILLE, Ark. – A man is facing charges in connection with the death of a woman who went missing from Jacksonville last year.
The Jacksonville family of 40-year-old Lateshia Patillo said Oct. 13, 2024, changed their lives forever when Patillo went missing.
Jacksonville police searching for missing woman; family hopes she will be found quickly
Court documents state she got a ride from a truck driver named Stevie Bernard Williams in Arkansas that same day. While the semi was traveling at 68 miles per hour, Williams said Patillo jumped out.
'She did not deserve to be done the way she was done. And left on the side of the road and later died,' Patillo's mother said.
The affidavit states that Williams did not call 911 and continued his route toward New Jersey.
Patillo was found on the shoulder of Interstate 40 in Roane County, Tennessee, and later died in a medical center.
Body found in pond believed to be missing Benton woman
Williams is facing charges of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and criminally negligent homicide. Officials said he will face a grand jury on June 16 in Roane County.
'I just pray justice will prevail in the case,' Patillo's mother said. 'Because she didn't deserve to die at all. She didn't deserve this. It's very devastating.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
‘Grinch' who allegedly stole, prowled cars on Christmas in Camas arrested
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Months after a person was caught on camera stealing a car and prowling other vehicles last Christmas, Camas police announced on Wednesday that they have made an arrest in the case. Twenty-three-year-old Jorge Ayala was charged with auto theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, nine counts of vehicle prowl and third-degree theft. According to police, the crimes occurred between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Christmas morning 2024 when a dark gray Mazda CX3 with Washington license plate BSD5166 was stolen by a 'Grinch' from the Woodburn Neighborhood then used to drive around the area to prowl other vehicles. Officials said the suspect stole a variety of items from seven vehicles, including garage door openers, a gift card, cash, and a cell phone. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Student honored by graduating class after his death
The Brief In Philadelphia, a high school honored a student who died two years ago by presenting his diploma to his mother on stage during commencement. The student's mother is now launching a nonprofit in honor of her son and to help other youth who may be struggling with thoughts of self-harm and suicide. WEST PHILADELPHIA - An emotional tribute during a Philadelphia high school graduation remembering a passionate student who dreamed of becoming a firefighter, until his life was sadly cut short two years ago happened Wednesday. He was honored by his fellow graduates on stage and his mother received his diploma, awarded posthumously. Tribute for their classmate A memorial tribute was held in honor of a student named Ahmeen Kelly during Mastery Schools Shoemaker Campus commencement ceremony on Wednesday. "Ahmeen was more than my best friend. He was my partner in crime," said Taliah Waite on stage. "Class of 2025 will never forget you and will carry you on with the courage and heart you always believed we had." The students invited his mother, Jewelz Wiliams, to receive his honorary diploma. The Philadelphia Fire Department also presented her with a shadow box containing his Fire Explorer uniform. Williams went up on the stage during graduation wearing her son's cap and gown. She said Kelly was a football star who had a passion for serving the community and dreamed of becoming a firefighter one day. Tragedy Sadly, Kelly took his own life on May 19, 2023, at the young age of 16. Williams said her son contracted COVID and started suffering from seizures. She said it took a toll on his mental health. "I'm emotional. It's a very emotional time. I wish he was here to celebrate this day with us," said Williams. "There weren't any signs. That's something I want people to know. I want them to know that depression and things like this may not come with a frown or crying. He presented himself every day with a smile. He always was the light of the party. I want people to know you probably need to dig a little bit deeper." Helping others To honor his legacy, Williams is now launching a nonprofit called the Ahmeen Bizness Foundation to provide a safe space for youth to come and talk about their struggles. "I want these kids to live their life as if there's no tomorrow. I want them to achieve all of their goals. I want to see them succeed, not only for themselves but for Ahmeen. I know that's what he would want," said Williams. This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ohio man indicted by Erie federal grand jury for child sexual exploitation
(WJET/WFXP)– An Ohio man has been accused by a federal grand jury in Erie of traveling across state lines to meet up with an underage victim to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The six-count indictment against 26-year-old Robert A. Pepus of Garrettsville, Ohio, of travelling across state lines to meet up with a minor to engage in sexual activity, creating and possessing CSAM between September and October 2024. Erie, Chautauqua emergency crews searching for reported missing kayaker Should he be convicted, Pepus faces up to life in prison plus 130 years, a maximum fine of $1.5 million, or both, though the actual sentence would be based on the seriousness of the charge and any prior criminal history. Pepus' case was investigated by the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
