Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Probe Continues In Hooker Murder Case

There has been no letup in the investigation of the murder of Chester Hooker.

Hooker, 78, was brutally murdered Saturday, Sept. 6, 1997. His assailant used a piece of 2 by 4 lumber to beat the elderly hotel owner to death.

According to Prescott Police Chief Willie Latin, there have been no breaks in the case to his knowledge, but every lead has been followed and most double checked.

Still, he said, no clear motive has been established for the savage attack. Hooker's wallet was found at the murder site, the office of the Broadway Hotel, but officers were unable to determine if anything had been removed from it. While there has been speculation as to why the murder occurred, law enforcement authorities have no real idea as to the reason for the killing.

Latin issued a plea for information on the murder, asking anyone with any knowledge of the case to contact him or his office. He promised to keep their identity confidential.

Additionally, anyone with information about the Hooker murder can contact the Arkansas State Police criminal investigation division at (870) 777-8944, or the Nevada County Sheriff's Office at 887-2616.

Though it may seem to the general public nothing is being done on the case, Latin has been working tirelessly to find a suspect and make an arrest.

"We've been following every lead we can get," he said. "I believe someone knows something about it, but won't come forward."

The family of Hooker offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the murderer.

Latin said those people who have been questioned about the case have been cooperative, but no solid leads have turned up on any particular suspect.

Shortly after the murder occurred, a task force was formed and met in Little Rock. Along with the PPD, ASP and NCSO, the FBI got involved to help develop a profile of the possible killer.

"We need solid evidence for an arrest," Latin said. "We've brought people in, but nothing's panned out. This case is still on the top burner. We have a murderer loose."

The murder occurred sometime around 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 6. Latin said this is not a time when most people are in bed, but many were still out and about. Someone, he said, may have seen something but not thought much about it at the time. This information could possibly lead to the capture of the murderer, Latin said, and urged anyone with any information at all to contact the proper authorities.