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This Day in Arkansas History

July 26, 1983

The capital murder trial of Barry Lee Fairchild began in Lonoke County Circuit Court, with Circuit Judge Cecil A. Tedder presiding. The case was prosecuted by Chris Raff, while a young attorney named Joe O’Bryan was the defense attorney. During his capital murder trial, Fairchild recanted his confession, testifying that when he denied any knowledge of the crime, Sheriff Tommy Robinson and Major Larry Dill beat him and threatened to kill him if he did not confess. Fairchild testified that he was carefully rehearsed by his interrogators before giving his second videotaped confession. Fairchild was executed for the murder of Marjorie “Greta” Mason on August 31, 1995, despite controversy.

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Fort Smith National Cemetery

The Fort Smith National Cemetery is the oldest of the state’s three national cemeteries. It was originally the post cemetery with the first interment in 1819. Designated as a national cemetery in 1867, it is today the final resting place of more than 13,000 veterans and family members. Among the notables interred are the famous “hanging judge” Isaac Parker and World War II brigadier general William O. Darby.

 

The Fort Smith National Cemetery is the oldest of the state’s three national cemeteries. It was originally the post cemetery with the first interment in 1819. Designated as a national cemetery in 1867, it is today the final resting place of more than 13,000 veterans and family members. Among the notables interred are the famous “hanging judge” Isaac Parker and World War II brigadier general William O. Darby.

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About the Encyclopedia

The CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas is a free, authoritative source of information about the rich history, geography, and culture of Arkansas. It is updated regularly to ensure the people of Arkansas have an accurate and accessible resource to explore our heritage. We invite you to browse our text entries and media galleries to learn more about the people, places, events, legends, and lore of the 25th state. We are continually adding new entries, photographs, maps, videos, quizzes, lesson plans, and more, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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