CAMDEN — By BRADLY GILL
Staff writer
The jury trial for two Camden men accused of the murder of Pine Bluff pawn shop owner is set for September of this year, according to Jefferson County Court documents.
The documents show that Daryl Strickland and Rodney Henry were charged with capital murder, attempted capital murder, two counts of aggravated robbery and theft of property.
In capital murder cases, the state can pursue the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
An affidavit states that on Nov. 12, 2018, officers responded to a shooting at the Wise Buck Guns & Pawn Shop, located at 2408 S. Camden Road in Pine Bluff. Upon the initial officer’s arrival, he reportedly told dispatch that the subjects were still shooting. As the officer on scene parked the patrol vehicle on the south side of the business, it was reported that two subjects were seen running through the field located on the south side of the business. Dispatch later advised officers on scene that two subjects were shot inside of the business.
Upon entering the business, two white male victims were located and later identified as Brandon McHan and Jason Booth. Both subjects were transported from the scene to Jefferson Regional Medical Center to be treated for their injuries. An emergency surgery was conducted with McHan where he later died from his injuries.
McHan was unable to give a statement in reference to the incident due to being sedated upon arriving at the hospital. Booth’s injuries were not life-threatening and he was later transported to the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences Hospital in Little Rock for further treatment. Booth was unable to give a clear statement in reference to the incident due to the injuries sustained to his mouth.
Officers also responded to the Alon Gas Station, located at 2800 S. Olive St. in reference to a robbery. Upon the officers’ arrival, the clerk stated that two black males entered the store with guns. The clerk stated one male approached the front counter and another one went around behind the counter. One of the subjects put a gun to clerk’s head and took an unknown amount of money and cigarettes. Both suspects later fled the scene. During the investigation, both video surveillance footages were compared and analyzed. It was later discovered that the subjects involved at-the Wise Buck Guns & Pawn Shop matched the description of subjects involved in the incident at the Alon Gas Station. The subjects were later identified through an anonymous lead as Daryl Strickland and Rodney Henry.
After receiving written consent to search the residence in which both Henry and Strickland were residing, an expended shell casing was reportedly found at the residence. Strickland and Henry were later questioned and released pending further investigation. The shell casing was sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for examination.
On Dec. 3, 2018, a preliminary report was received with the results of a positive match on the shell casing found at the Wise Buck Guns & Pawn Shop.
On Dec. 4, 2018, Henry and Strickland were located at two separate residences in Camden and were taken into custody, where they were later transported to the Pine Bluff Police Detective Division for questioning.
Detectives conducted a recorded statement with Henry at the Pine Bluff Police Department. During questioning, Henry denied having involvement in the incidents at the Wise Buck Guns & Pawn Shop and the Alon Gas Station.
During questioning, Strickland reportedly admitted to having involvement in the incident at both locations. He also reportedly admitted to shooting inside of the business at the Wise Buck Pawn Shop in which the victims were both wounded during the incident, and to later committing the robbery at the Alon Gas Station. Strickland stated that their intentions were only to rob each location to obtain cash. Documents also show that at the Alon Gas Station, a black handgun described as a High Point JS9 9mm caliber pistol and cash were taken by Strickland and Henry during the robbery.
In separate cases, Strickland is accused of a November 2017 rape in Camden, and Henry is charged with theft of property greater than $5,000, but less than $25,000.
A pick-up order to the Jefferson County Detention center was issued for Strickland to be brought to Camden for a court appearance Monday March 11. Henry was also the subject of a pick-up order for a court date on the March 14.