Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Probe continues in murder

Three months after an elderly, disabled carnival worker was shot to death here during the Nevada County Fair, Arkansas State Police investigators insist the case remains active despite frustration in resolving the crime.

ASP Lt. Cleve Barfield said Monday, Dec. 31, 2001, beyond the fact Harold Reed, 62, of Alexandria, Minn., was shot to death Sept. 11 some time after allegedly leaving the Nevada County Fair with two black males, ASP has little evidence with which to develop a case.

"I can't say whether we have identified anyone yet as a suspect," Barfield said. "I can't say that we're focusing on anybody out of state; just that it is on-going."

He agreed the ASP has focused much of its attention upon identifying the two black males who were allegedly seen leaving with Reed, but local efforts to generate cooperation in identifying the men have been fruitless.

Barfield said no additional forensic evidence has been developed to encourage investigators.

But, he insisted the investigation remains active after three months.

"In the overall scheme of things, this period of time is not long at all," Barfield said. "There is no statute of limitations on homicide. We have cases that are still open and will remain open."

The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory has returned autopsy results with a determination Reed was shot to death. Neither crime laboratory director Jim Clark nor Barfield will comment on the number and caliber of gunshots involved in the death.

Reed was employed as an amusements ride operator on the midway of the Nevada County Fair by Alto Amusement Carnivals of Magazine. His body was found in a vacant lot adjacent to the Nevada County fairgrounds on Sept. 14, and his hat, eyeglasses and shoes were found elsewhere on the same property, according to initial ASP reports.