Suspect to face murder charge in 2021 killing of Russellville teen

A Casa man is expected to face one count of capital murder in the 2021 killing of a Russellville teen, the Pope County sheriff announced in a news release Wednesday.

Authorities plan to arraign Stephen Watson, 40, on Friday for the murder of Savana Elliot, 17, according to a news release from Sheriff Shane Jones. Elliot's remains were found on October 23, 2021, in the Holla Bend National Wildlife Management Area.

Watson is serving a two-year sentence in the Arkansas Department of Corrections' Grimes Unit in Newport on unrelated charges involving serious injury during his escape, according to inmate records.

Wednesday's press release did not contain any information on Elliot's cause of death. Pope County authorities worked with multiple agencies, including the Arkansas State Police and the FBI, on an investigation that lasted nearly three years, the release said.

Watson is expected to appear in court before 5th Judicial Circuit Judge James Dunham on Friday morning, the release said.

“Sheriff Jones would like to personally thank all of the agencies involved who assisted in this investigation, and he sends his most sincere thoughts and prayers to Savana’s family,” the statement said. “Let this arrest be the first step in bringing an end to this horrific event.”