LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — A death investigation in Saline County has led to a second-degree murder charge for Derek Allen Pike, after authorities found 41-year-old April Ann Jez dead inside a Benton residence on Smith Ford Road.
Deputies responded to 2021 Smith Ford Road on Thursday, where they discovered Jez’s body. Following an investigation by Saline County detectives and the county coroner, her death was officially ruled a homicide.
While searching the residence, law enforcement uncovered firearms, body armor, and cannabis. As a result, Pike was initially arrested for possession of a firearm, criminal possession of body armor, and possession of a controlled substance.
The following day, Pike was formally charged with second-degree murder, and his bond was set at $1 million. The investigation is ongoing.
