UPDATE — Texas law enforcement authorities found 57-year-old Laverne Blackmon of Conway, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Conroe, Texas. Blackmon was wanted in connection with the murder of 56-year-old Viola Davis of Dumas according to a press release from Arkansas State Police.
Officials notified state police just after 6 p.m. on Thursday about finding Blackmon's body in Conroe, which is approximately 40 miles north of Houston.
Authorities in Conroe, believe Blackmon died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was found in the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche truck that police say he drove from Little Rock earlier this week.
Arkansas State police had been actively searching for Blackmon who they believe abducted and then killed Davis
Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division were requested Monday, June 29th to lead the investigation after local law enforcement authorities were notified of a body being discovered along Kirtley Road northeast of Dumas. The body was later identified as Viola Davis, 56, of Mitchellville (Desha County).
According to sources, on the June 29 someone found Davis’ body along Kirtley Road northeast of Dumas between 5:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. State police started an investigation. Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division were requested to lead the investigation after local law enforcement authorities were notified. Her body has been taken to the state crime lab to determine what the cause of death is.
Blackmon reportedly kidnapped his ex-wife Viola Davis around 5:30 a.m., as she left her Mitchellville home to go to work on Monday.
Davis was found dead along Kirtley Road northeast of Dumas on the same day. Blackmon was wanted on charges of kidnapping and capital murder.
