Former Washington County Deputy Found Not Guilty of Manslaughter

Prosecutor: Deputy Behaved Like Cowboy, Had `No Right' to Take Suspect's Life

An ex-Riverside County sheriff’s deputy who fatally shot a wanted man in what he contended was self-defense behaved like a “cowboy,” unjustifiably creating a lethal situation, a prosecutor said Tuesday, while the defendant’s attorney argued the shooting was unavoidable under the circumstances. Oscar Rodriguez, 44, is charged with first-degree murder and sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations for the 2014 slaying of 39-year-ol…

Former Washington County deputy found not guilty of manslaughter

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A former Washington County deputy was found not guilty June 24 of manslaughter in relation to the death of a man during a pursuit in December 2023. Stevon Grindstaff, 29, was found not guilty of manslaughter, negligent homicide and aggravated assault, according to his attorney, Stuart Cearley. Grindstaff was originally charged with first-degree murder and aggravated assault after a pursuit that resulted in Grinds…

Jury acquits ex-Washington Co. deputy in manslaughter trial

Stevon Grindstaff faced charges after shooting and killing a driver during a traffic stop.

Jury finds former Washington County deputy not guilty of manslaughter for deadly 2023 traffic stop

Stevon Grindstaff, an ex-Washington County deputy, was acquitted of manslaughter for shooting Scottie Stacy during a 2023 traffic stop after a two-day trial.