PARKIN, AR – After a 12 hour manhunt, Robert Paul Bailey was found in a field off County Road 14 in Cross County. Investigators tell myEyewitnessNews.com Bailey shot his own brother and then went across town and shot a longtime friend. It happened on May 25, 2009.
Parkin resident Vicki Hall is relieved, but still puzzled over the early morning shooting next door. Her uncle Louis was shot in the leg. Police say the gunman was his own brother, Robert Paul Bailey. “It’s surreal to us. We just had an uncle killed by a train a few months ago. Now one uncle shoots the other one. It’s just unreal.”
A few minutes later and down the road, more violence in small town Parkin. This time James Chism’s son was shot six times – five times in the chest and once in the arm. Investigators say Bailey is also responsible for that shooting. “I was scared. All I can do is pray. It’s hard to pray for one and want to find another and do damage to him. That’s hard,” says Chism. But his prayers were answered. Despite being shot six times, Chism’s son is expected to make a full recovery. People living in Parkin are still wondering what exactly pushed Robert Paul Bailey over the edge. “I know my prayer helped my son. I just hope now it will help Paul,” says Chism.
Investigators say the accused gunman is also a ten time felon. In the past, Robert Paul Bailey has been locked up for theft, burglary and drug charges.
