News Release
NPS photo.
News Release Date: April 5, 2018
Contact: NPS Investigative Services Branch, 202-379-4761
Closing an interagency investigation and bringing justice for the victim of a violent attack, a man has been sentenced to serve 30 years in prison. Elijah Z. Reed, age 27, pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder and kidnapping at a recent court hearing. The charges were for an August 2017 incident in Fort Smith National Historic Park.
Court records show that on August 30, 2017, Reed attacked a woman as she jogged along a park path. After taking the woman’s cellphone and throwing it, Reed stabbed her in the neck and head several times, went to the river and washed his shirt, then ran away. The woman was able to alert others in the park, who summoned help. Reed was located several blocks from the park later that day and taken into custody.
The case was a cooperative effort between a US Park Ranger from nearby Pea Ridge National Military Park and the City of Fort Smith Police Department (AR). In addition to the prison term, the judge issued Reed a no-contact order with the victim.
The National Park Service is dedicated to supporting victims and witnesses of all ages, and works to ensure that every victim of or witness to a crime that occurs within its community is treated with dignity and respect. Information about victim/witness legal rights and support services is available on the US Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime website.
ISB: the Investigative Services Branch of the National Park Service
www.nps.gov/ISB
Last updated: April 5, 2018