ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT
PROCEEDINGS OF APRIL 23, 2026
COURTNEY RAE HUDSON, JUSTICE
CR-25-563. Justin Thornton v. State of Arkansas, from Faulkner County Circuit Court. Affirmed. Webb, J., concurs. Womack and Bronni, JJ., concur in part and dissent in part.
CV-25-549. Duane Gonder v. Tim Griffin, Arkansas Attorney General, from Pulaski County Circuit Court, Third Division. Appellant’s pro se motion for decision on appellant’s brief alone. Affirmed; motion moot. Womack, J., concurs.
SHAWN A. WOMACK, JUSTICE
CV-25-319. Garland County District Court; Professional Probation Services, LLC; Southwest Probation Services, Inc.; Desiree Skeya; and Brady Harmon v. John Mercer, Individually and on Behalf of Others Similarly Situated, from Garland County Circuit Court. Affirmed in part; reversed in part; remanded. Baker, C.J., and Hudson, J., concur in part and dissent in part. Wood, Hiland, and Bronni, JJ., dissent.
CODY HILAND, JUSTICE
CV-25-255. Rodney Bunch v. State of Arkansas; William Martin Jones, in His Official Capacity as Prosecuting Attorney; Timothy Davis Fox, in His Official Capacity as Circuit Court Judge; Leigh Biggers-Patterson, in Her Official Capacity as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney; Tammy Harris; and Willard Proctor, from Pulaski County Circuit Court, Seventeenth Division. Affirmed. Womack, J., concurs. Bronni, J., dissents.
NICHOLAS J. BRONNI, JUSTICE
CR-25-575. Greg Hogue v. State of Arkansas, from Pulaski County Circuit Court, Sixteenth Division. Appellant’s pro se motion for appointment of counsel and for oral argument. Affirmed; motion denied. Baker, C.J., and Hudson and Wood, JJ., concur.
ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT PROCEEDINGS OF APRIL 23, 2026 PER CURIAM ORDERS REHEARINGS DENIED: Petitions for rehearing were denied today in the following cases. CR-24-690. Christopher Coy Gamble v. State of Arkansas, from White County Circuit Court. Baker, C.J., and Hudson, J., would grant. CV-25-562. Rebecca Nichols v. James Swindoll and Chuck Gibson, from Pulaski County Circuit Court, Fifth Division. ********************************************* REVIEWS DENIED: Petitions for review were denied today in the following cases. CR-23-821. Kenneth Steward v. State of Arkansas, from Benton County Circuit Court. CR-24-340. Paul Criswell v. State of Arkansas, from Saline County Circuit Court. CR-24-545. Christopher Carter v. State of Arkansas, from Pulaski County Circuit Court, Seventh Division. CR-24-831. Nicholas Jackson v. State of Arkansas, from Marion County Circuit Court. CR-25-23. Calvin Harrison v. State of Arkansas, from Polk County Circuit Court. CR-25-63. Damitrius Blackburn v. State of Arkansas, from Washington County Circuit Court. CR-25-112. Terry Leroy Long v. State of Arkansas, from Sharp County Circuit Court. CR-25-116. Michael Denham v. State of Arkansas, from Pulaski County Circuit Court, First Division. CR-25-162. Jerry Patterson v. State of Arkansas, from Searcy County Circuit Court. CR-25-685. Patrick Sherman v. State of Arkansas, from Clark County Circuit Court. CV-24-165. Christina Morris v. Chad Morris, from Benton County Circuit Court.
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ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT
PROCEEDINGS OF APRIL 23, 2026
PER CURIAM ORDERS
REVIEWS DENIED: (continued)
CV-24-341. Chaney Taylor, in His Official Capacity as Independence County Judge, Arkansas, District Court Judge v. Independence County, Arkansas, Judge Robert Griffin, in His Official Capacity as Independence County Judge, from Independence County Circuit Court.
CV-24-488. BFT Rental, LLC v. Arkansas State Highway Commission, from Washington County Circuit Court.
CV-24-577. Simon Pockrus v. Kristy Pockrus (now Savold), from Benton County Circuit Court. Bronni, J., would grant. See dissenting opinion from denial of petition for review issued this date.
CV-24-597. Risie Howard, Special Administratrix for the Estate of Mrs. George Howard,
Jr. v. Baptist Health, a/k/a Baptist Health Home Health Network; Diamond Risk Insurance
Co., LLC; John Harris, M.D.; Leah Willett, BSN, RN, Individually; Alicia Brucks, SLP, Individually; and Brandy M. Cantwell, PT, Individually, from Pulaski County Circuit Court, Eleventh Division. Webb, J., not participating.
CV-25-40. Renee Anne Henderson v. Robert Henderson, from Fulton County Circuit Court. Bronni, J., would grant.
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CR-98-256. Demarco T. Wilson v. State of Arkansas, from Crittenden County Circuit Court. Entry of appearance of Jeff Rosenzweig as counsel on behalf of separate petitioner Demarco T. Wilson is noted.
CR-98-256. Kendrick Gillum v. State of Arkansas, from Crittenden County Circuit Court. Entry of appearance of William O. “Bill” James, Jr., and Dalton Wayne Orsborn as counsel on behalf of separate petitioner Kendrick Gillum is noted.
CR-07-1308. Derek Sales v. State of Arkansas, from Bradley County Circuit Court. Petitioner’s motion to reinvest jurisdiction in the circuit court to petition for writ of error coram nobis is denied. Special Justice Mary Carole Young agrees. Bronni, J., not participating.
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ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT
PROCEEDINGS OF APRIL 23, 2026
PER CURIAM ORDERS
CR-07-1308. Derek Sales v. State of Arkansas, from Bradley County Circuit Court. Petitioner’s motion to take application to petition for writ of error coram nobis as a case is denied. Special Justice Mary Carole Young agrees. Womack, J., would moot. Bronni,
J., not participating.
CR-07-1308. Derek Sales v. State of Arkansas, from Bradley County Circuit Court. Petitioner’s motion for leave to file reply is denied. Special Justice Mary Carole Young agrees. Baker, C.J., and Hudson, J., would grant. Womack, J., would moot. Bronni, J., not participating.
CR-10-53. Derek Sales v. State of Arkansas, from Bradley County Circuit Court. Petitioner’s motion to recall the mandate is denied. Special Justice Mary Carole Young agrees. Baker, C.J., and Hudson, J., would take as a case. Webb, J., would moot. Bronni,
J., not participating.
CR-10-53. Derek Sales v. State of Arkansas, from Bradley County Circuit Court. Petitioner’s motion to take application to recall the mandate as a case is denied. Special Justice Mary Carole Young agrees. Baker, C.J., and Hudson and Webb,
JJ., would grant. Bronni, J., not participating.
CR-10-53. Derek Sales v. State of Arkansas, from Bradley County Circuit Court. Petitioner’s motion for leave to file reply is denied. Special Justice Mary Carole Young agrees. Baker, C.J., and Hudson and Webb, JJ., would grant. Bronni, J., not participating.
CR-25-423. Thomas Kaufman v. State of Arkansas, from Van Buren County Circuit Court. Appellant’s motion for leave to file substituted brief is granted.
CR-26-166. Kimberly Crick v. State of Arkansas, from Drew County Circuit Court. Petitioner’s pro se petition for leave to proceed in forma pauperis is denied. Womack, J., would grant.
CR-26-177. Carla Kaye Sanders v. State of Arkansas, from Miller County Circuit Court. Petitioner’s pro se petition to proceed in forma pauperis is denied.
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ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT
PROCEEDINGS OF APRIL 23, 2026
PER CURIAM ORDERS
CV-24-597. Risie Howard, Special Administratrix for the Estate of Mrs. George Howard,
Jr. v. Baptist Health, a/k/a Baptist Health Home Health Network; Diamond Risk Insurance
Co., LLC; John Harris, M.D.; Leah Willett, BSN, RN, Individually; Alicia Brucks, SLP, Individually; and Brandy M. Cantwell, PT, Individually, from Pulaski County Circuit Court, Eleventh Division. Appellant’s motion to strike response of separate appellee John Harris, M.D., to petition for review is denied. Webb, J., not participating.
CV-24-597. Risie Howard, Special Administratrix for the Estate of Mrs. George Howard,
Jr. v. Baptist Health, a/k/a Baptist Health Home Health Network; Diamond Risk Insurance
Co., LLC; John Harris, M.D.; Leah Willett, BSN, RN, Individually; Alicia Brucks, SLP, Individually; and Brandy M. Cantwell, PT, Individually, from Pulaski County Circuit Court, Eleventh Division. Appellant’s motion to strike separate appellees’ response to petition for review is denied. Webb, J., not participating.
CV-25-452. Robinson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, LLC, d/b/a Robinson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center v. Andrew Phillips, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Dorothy Phillips; and on Behalf of the Wrongful Death Beneficiaries of Dorothy Phillips; and on Behalf of Themselves and All Others Similarly Situated, from Pulaski County Circuit Court, Twelfth Division. Motion of Stephanie I. Randall to withdraw as counsel for appellant is granted. Special Justice Brian Lester agrees. Wood, J., not participating.
CV-25-835. Crystal Rainey v. Lavon Tensley, Veronica Tensley, and Shun J’s, LLC, from Lincoln County Circuit Court. Petitioner’s pro se motion to strike pro se request to proceed without a certified record is denied.
CV-26-131. Kristina Gulley v. Lee Jeffrey; Ledric Calhoun; Kindrea Stuckey; Pulaski County Board of Election Commissioners; Susan Meadors; in Her Official Capacity as Commissioner and Chairperson of the Pulaski County Board of Election Commissioners; Michael White, in His Official Capacity as Commissioner of the Pulaski County Board of Election Commissioners; and Steve Harrelson, in His Official Capacity as Commissioner of the Pulaski County Board of Election Commissioners, from Pulaski County Circuit Court, Eleventh Division. Appellees’ suggestion of mootness taken with the case. Special Justice Brian Vandiver agrees. Bronni, J., not participating.
CV-26-158. Newland & Associates, PLLC; and J. Richard Newland v. Caroline Lasiter; and Relyance Bank, N.A., Administrator of the Estate of Michael Allen Lasiter, from Pulaski County Circuit Court, Twelfth Division. Petitioners’ petition for writ of certiorari and application for temporary relief and stay taken as a case. Baker, C.J., and Hudson, J., would deny.
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ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT
PROCEEDINGS OF APRIL 23, 2026
PER CURIAM ORDERS
CV-26-167. Nathan W. Reggish v. Remington Place, Inc., and Mike Parker, from Washington County Circuit Court. Petitioner’s petition for writ of certiorari is denied.
CV-26-205. Priscilla G. Copelin-Neeley, Arkansas Bar No. 2005242 v. Supreme Court Committee on Professional Conduct and Supreme Court Committee Office of Professional Conduct, an Original Action. Petitioner’s petition for writ of certiorari is denied. Baker,
C.J., not participating.
D-26-182. In Re Jennifer Michelle Money Owens, Arkansas Bar No. 2010020, an Original Action. Petition of Jennifer Michelle Money Owens, Arkansas Bar No. 2010020, for voluntary surrender of license (resignation) is granted.
D-26-183. In Re Karen Kimbrough Stitsworth, Arkansas Bar No. 77182, an Original Action. Petition of Karen Kimbrough Stitsworth, Arkansas Bar No. 77182, for voluntary surrender of license (resignation) is granted.
D-26-191. In Re George Michael Stewart, Arkansas Bar No. 2005010, an Original Action. Petition of George Michael Stewart, Arkansas Bar No. 2005010, for voluntary surrender of license (resignation) is granted.
D-26-192. In Re John Thomas Kirtley III, Arkansas Bar No. 2009098, an Original Action. Petition of John Thomas Kirtley III, Arkansas Bar No. 2009098, for voluntary surrender of license (resignation) is granted.
D-26-218. In Re Catherine Filhiol Golden, Arkansas Bar No. 2005305, an Original Action. Petition of Catherine Filhiol Golden, Arkansas Bar No. 2005305, for voluntary surrender of license (resignation) is granted.
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CR-25-231. Samuel Robert Hill v. State of Arkansas, from Washington County Circuit Court. Appellee’s motion to dismiss is granted.
CR-26-23. Thomas Crockett v. State of Arkansas, from Phillips County Circuit Court. Petitioner’s pro se petition for writ of mandamus is granted. Special Justice H.G. Foster agrees. Wood and Hiland, JJ., would deny. Bronni, J., not participating.
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ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT
PROCEEDINGS OF APRIL 23, 2026
PER CURIAM ORDERS
CR-26-153. Edmond McClinton v. State of Arkansas, from Jefferson County Circuit Court. Petitioner’s pro se motion for rule on the clerk is denied. Bronni, J., not participating.
CR-26-185. Scott Riddle v. State of Arkansas, from Sebastian County Circuit Court, Fort Smith District. Petitioner’s pro se motion seeking permission to file petition for writ of mandamus without a certified record treated as a motion for rule on clerk to proceed without a certified record and denied. Bronni, J., not participating.
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In Re Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission Cases. Order to appear and show cause. See per curiam this date.
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ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT
PROCEEDINGS OF APRIL 23, 2026
MOTIONS SUBMITTED
CR-98-256. Demarco T. Wilson v. State of Arkansas, from Crittenden County Circuit Court. Petition of separate petitioner Demarco T. Wilson to reinvest the circuit court with jurisdiction in order to consider petition for writ of error coram nobis.
CR-98-256. Kendrick Gillum v. State of Arkansas, from Crittenden County Circuit Court. Petition of separate petitioner Kendrick Gillum to reinvest jurisdiction with the Crittenden County Circuit Court.
CV-25-742. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, in Her Official Capacity as Governor of Arkansas; Lindsay Wallace, in Her Official Capacity as Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Corrections; and Arkansas Department of Corrections v. Arkansas Board of Corrections; and Benny Magness, in His Official Capacity as Chairman of the Arkansas Board of Corrections, from Pulaski County Circuit Court, Eleventh Division. Petition of Benny Magness and Lee Watson to intervene or, alternatively, for appointment of invited amici curiae.
CV-25-742. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, in Her Official Capacity as Governor of Arkansas; Lindsay Wallace, in Her Official Capacity as Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Corrections; and Arkansas Department of Corrections v. Arkansas Board of Corrections; and Benny Magness, in His Official Capacity as Chairman of the Arkansas Board of Corrections, from Pulaski County Circuit Court, Eleventh Division. Motion of Hall Booth Smith, P.C., and Abtin Mehdizadegan to intervene or, alternatively, for appointment as invited amici curiae.
CV-25-742. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, in Her Official Capacity as Governor of Arkansas; Lindsay Wallace, in Her Official Capacity as Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Corrections; and Arkansas Department of Corrections v. Arkansas Board of Corrections; and Benny Magness, in His Official Capacity as Chairman of the Arkansas Board of Corrections, from Pulaski County Circuit Court, Eleventh Division. Joint motion to reverse and remand with instructions and for expedited consideration or deadlines to be held in abeyance.
CV-25-754. Risie Howard v. Absolute Roofing, and Jim Burress and Karen Burress, Owners, from Jefferson County Circuit Court. Appellant’s motion for reassignment.
CV-26-141. Dave Campbell v. Chaney Taylor, District Judge; and Drew Smith, Prosecuting Attorney, from Fulton County Circuit Court. Appellant’s pro se motion to supplement the record.
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ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT
PROCEEDINGS OF APRIL 23, 2026
MOTIONS SUBMITTED
CV-26-223. (In Re Consolidated Action) Northwest Arkansas Hospitals, LLC, d/b/a Northwest Medical Center - Springdale Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit; Community Health Systems, Inc.; Brian T. Hyatt, M.D.: Brian T. Hyatt, M.D., PLLC, d/b/a Pinnacle Premier Psychiatry; and John Does 2–25 v. Karla Adrian-Caceres, and All Consolidated Plaintiffs, from Washington County Circuit Court. Petitioners’ petition for writ of certiorari.
D-26-240. In Re Betsy A. Gillaspy, Arkansas Bar No. 90224, an Original Action. Petition of Betsy A. Gillaspy, Arkansas Bar No. 90224, for voluntary surrender of license (resignation).
D-26-259. In Re Fred Krutz, Arkansas Bar No. 2015025, an Original Action. Petition of Fred Krutz, Arkansas Bar No. 2015025, for voluntary surrender of license (resignation).
E-25-97. Samuel W. Scott v. Director, Division of Workforce Services, from the Arkansas Board of Review. Appellant’s pro se motion for reconsideration.
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CR-24-827. Reggie Matthews v. State of Arkansas, from Mississippi County Circuit Court, Osceola District. Petitioner’s pro se motion for copy of the trial transcript.
CR-25-589. Pierre Wright v. State of Arkansas, from Craighead County Circuit Court, Western District. Appellant’s pro se motion for copy of transcript at public expense.
CR-26-219. Johnny Lee Davis v. State of Arkansas, from Pulaski County Circuit Court, First Division. Petitioner’s pro se motion for leave to file petition for writ of mandamus without a certified record.
CR-26-221. Frelandra Womack v. State of Arkansas, from Hot Spring County Circuit Court. Petitioner’s pro se motion to proceed with tendered documents, as is.
CV-26-208. Eddie S. Watkins v. State of Arkansas, from Hot Spring County Circuit Court. Petitioner’s pro se petition for writ of mandamus.
CV-26-234. Justin Jamaille Thornton v. Dexter Payne, Director, Arkansas Division of Correction, from Lee County Circuit Court. Petitioner’s pro se petition for writ of mandamus.
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ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT
PROCEEDINGS OF APRIL 23, 2026
CASES SUBMITTED
CV-26-116. Bryan Norris, on Behalf of Himself and All Similarly Situated Persons; Arkansas Voter Integrity Initiative, Inc.; and Restore Election Integrity Arkansas, a Ballot Question Committee v. Independence County, Arkansas; Tracey Mitchell, Wendy Henry, Jennifer Emery, and Francis Haigwood, in Their Official Capacities Only; Tim Stewart, Personally, and in His Official Capacity; and Johnny McMullin, Brent Henderson, Brad Covington, Cliff Barnett, Tammy Pearce, Kenny Hurley, Johnathan Abbott, and Dennis Stephens, Personally and in Their Official Capacities; and State of Arkansas, from Independence County Circuit Court. Orally argued.
CR-23-618. Mauricio Alejandro Torres v. State of Arkansas, from Benton County Circuit Court.
CR-25-658. Montrell Lee Simmons v. State of Arkansas, from Faulkner County Circuit Court.
CR-25-768. Owen Watson v. State of Arkansas, from Crittenden County Circuit Court.
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