Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – April 22, 2024 – A Rector man was found dead Friday morning, April 19, in a tent at a homeless encampment, according to the Jonesboro police.
Robert Masterson, 54, was unresponsive when police arrived at the encampment at the intersection of Allis Street and Cate Avenue.
The person who called police said he had gotten up several times during the night and Masterson was ok, but later that morning Masterson was unresponsive. The person went to the Salvation Army and called police.
Officer Christopher Rogers wrote, “I walked to the tent and noted that Victim #1 (Masterson, Robert) was lying face down in the tent. I felt for Victim #1 (Masterson, Robert)’s pulse and immediately noted that he was cold. I attempted to move his arm and noted that rigor mortis had already set in. I called for a supervisor over the radio and let them know that Victim #1 (Masterson, Robert) was deceased.
“Sergeant J. Porbeck arrived on scene and called JPD CID to the scene. I gathered a witness statement form from (the complainant.)” I asked complainant if Victim #1 (Masterson, Robert) had any medical issues or drug history. (The complainant) stated that Victim #1 (Masterson, Robert) used methamphetamine frequently but did not suspect that he had used fentanyl.
“Jonesboro Police Department Criminal Investigation Division detectives came to the scene to process it. After they finished processing the scene the coroner took possession of the body”.