BENTONVILLE — Dana Williams had no harsh words for the man who murdered her son.
Williams addressed Darin Michael Etherton on Friday in Benton County Circuit Court after Etherton admitted he killed Williams’ 25-year-old son, Brent Test.
Williams’ words didn’t focus on punishment. Her thoughts were on her son and her family’s loss.
“He was kind, loving, happy, loyal, genuine, affectionate, hardworking and respectful of others,” Williams said as she stood in front of Judge Jon Comstock and a short distance from Etherton. “He loved his family so, so much. The day came last year when Brent became a victim of a senseless and brutal crime.
“That was the worst day that I have or our family has ever endured.”
Etherton, 28, of Pea Ridge pleaded guilty to murder in the first degree, punishable with a prison sentence ranging from 10 to 40 years or life. He was originally charged with capital murder, but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge under an agreement his attorney Drew Miller reached with Stuart Cearley, chief deputy prosecutor.
Etherton was arrested July 21, 2011.
He admitted in court to shooting Test twice in the head with a .22-caliber revolver.
Test was found May 20, 2011, in his home at 1309 E. New Hope Road. Rogers police were called for a report of an unconscious man, according to court documents.
Cenia Duvall, Test’s roommate, told police she discovered a bleeding Test on the floor of their home after she returned from work.
Police learned from an emergency room doctor Test had been shot, according to court documents.
Several people told police Test and Etherton “had a physical altercation at Test’s residence” about four weeks before Test was shot, according to court documents.
Etherton admitted he killed Test to a Benton County Sheriff’s Offce deputy, according to court documents.
“For over 25 years, I had the privilege and honor of being his mother before he was so senselessly and cruelly taken from me,” Williams said about her son.
Williams said her son deserved a long and happy life filled with love and laughter, and she prays God will give her the strength to forgive.
Brandi Test also addressed the court. Her feelings centered on her younger brother instead of Etherton.
“Brent was only four years younger than me, but he was like my big brother, my protector, someone that I knew I could always count on and confide in,” she said. “He grew up into a wonderful man that cared deeply for his family and even those he did not know. Brent would give the shirt off his back to a stranger if he thought he could help someone else.
“I think about my little brother every day and wish I could see him again,” Brandi Test said. “I miss his hugs, his laughter and being able to tell him how much I love him. Brent’s life was cut short, and our lives will never be the same. He will be forever loved.”
Etherton declined an opportunity to address the court.
Comstock sentenced Etherton to 30 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction. He must serve 21 years before he will be eligible for parole. Etherton will have to abide by a suspended sentence agreement for 10 years after his release from prison. He received 436 days of credit for the time he spent in the Benton County Jail awaiting trial.
He must pay $670 in court associated costs.
The judge ordered Etherton not to have any contact with Test’s family.
“The family and law enforcement felt it was a fair resolution of the case,” Cearley said after the hearing. “There’s never a sentence that will replace a loved one. ”