Smithville, Ark. — A man and woman were found dead inside a rural Sharp County home on Sunday, April 6, following a welfare check prompted by family concerns in the aftermath of recent severe weather.
Deputies with the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 59 Racoon Lane after a relative of Genevieve Whitt reported being unable to reach her since the recent tornado activity. Upon arrival, deputies observed two vehicles at the residence but received no response at the door.
Given the circumstances, authorities forced entry into the home, where they discovered the bodies of Genevieve Whitt and her boyfriend, Danny Garner, lying on the floor.
According to the sheriff’s office, Whitt sustained injuries consistent with blunt force trauma, believed to be inflicted by a hammer. Garner was found with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Investigators say the couple had recently relocated from Florida, moving into the Racoon Lane home roughly three weeks prior to the incident.
Both bodies were transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for autopsies. The case is being investigated as a suspected murder-suicide, though officials say the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities have not released further details at this time.
