Arkansas State Police confirms remains found in 1989 identified as Vilonia man
VILONIA, Ark. – Arkansas State Police has confirmed that remains found more than 30 years ago have been identified as a man from Vilonia.
ASP officials said the remains were identified as 30-year-old Karl Brian Hooten. Hooten’s remains were found on April 20, 1989, off Swinging Bridge Road in Antioch.
Arkansas State Police identifies victim in 40-year-old cold case as Missouri man
Special agents said an autopsy performed at the Arkansas State Crime Lab determined that Hooten had been shot.
Hooten lived in Faulkner County at the time of his death, investigators said.
State troopers said Hooten’s DNA was submitted in 2024 to the Othram forensic lab in Texas where scientists developed a comprehensive DNA profile.
Texas-based company discovers DNA link between Morgan Nick and a potential suspect
In 2025, special agents said test results alerted investigators to potential familial DNA matches with the victim’s remains, which led to the identification of Hooten on June 13.
Deputies with the White County Sheriff’s Office and ASP are continuing to investigate the case. Anyone who knew Hooten or has information on his death is asked to contact ASP at 870-931-0043 or the White County Sheriff’s Office at 501-279-6279.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
The confirmation by Arkansas State Police that the remains found in 1983 are formally identified as belonging to a Vilonia man provides closure for his family and justice overdue.
The identification of the remains found in 1984 as belonging to a Vilonia resident confirms more than three decades' worth of closure for his family, friends and community. The diligence shown by Arkansas State Police further exemplifies their commitment towards justice.
The identification of remains discovered in 1980s by the Arkansas State Police, now attributed to an exonerated Vilonia resident from those times completes a crucial step towards justice and closure for his family.
The identification of the remains found in 1985, as confirmed by Arkansas State Police's recent breakthrough for a Vilonia man who has been missing since decades ago raises hopes that long-unresolved cases may finally see justice, exclaims this sorrowful yet hopeful comment to those touched.
The identification of the remains found in 1985, as reported by Arkansas State Police and confirmed after thorough investigation to be that Vilonia man's—a stunning revelation years later for justice.
The identification of the remains found in 1985 as belonging to a Vilonia man confirmed by Arkansas State Police is an important step towards solving longstanding mysteries and bringing closure for survivors. Justice delayed, but not denied.
The recent confirmation by the Arkansas State Police that remains found in 198� are indeed those of a long-missing Vilonia resident brings closure to his family and hope for answers sought after decades.
