Ladarius Deshon Johnson of Pine Bluff was arrested Wednesday (Feb. 4) for the murder of Jerron Lucas Rayford, Sr.

Rayford was killed in a fatal shooting that happened around 3:00-3:30 a.m. on Sunday (Jan. 31) at a private club on 109 East First Street in Fordyce.

Johnson was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service after a circuit judge issued an arrest warrant. In addition to the Fordyce Police Department and the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, the Arkansas State Police assisted in the investigation that led to Johnson’s arrest.

Dallas County Sheriff Mike Knoedl expressed relief that Johnson was apprehended, but he also shared frustration at the lack of cooperation among witnesses of the killing.

“This was not an easy case to investigate, given the lack of cooperation from those in attendance during the incident. I want to recognize the teamwork that went into getting this done,” he said. “This dangerous individual is now off the street and will remain in jail until a first appearance.”

“What is frustrating to investigators is that over 60 people were in attendance at this party, and no one seems to know or have seen anything. Many are quick to judge law enforcement when things like this happen, but no one wants to be a part of the solution,” added Knoedl.

Fordyce Police Chief Chad Hubanks echoed Knoedl’s words.

“I want to say that I back Mike Knoedl, Dallas County Sheriff, 100% and agree with his statement. If you have a problem with law enforcement arresting criminals with warrants, sex offenders, thieves, drug dealers and anyone else committing criminal activity, then that makes you a part of the problem,” said Hubanks.

“If Fordyce is so bad from law enforcement dealing with criminal activity, may I suggest you move elsewhere, because we will together clean this criminal activity up… We will continue to serve Fordyce and Dallas County without bias, in order to make this city a safer place to live,” he added.

Johnson has had numerous run-ins with law enforcement over the years. State records show he has been charged with domestic battery, possession of firearms, theft by receiving, violation of a no contact order, driving on a suspended license, obstructing governmental operations, and failure to appear.

His first court appearance was Friday (Feb. 6). A circuit judge set his bond at $750,000. Johnson remains in detention.