Former Farmington principal acquitted because of mental state

Christopher A. Webb
Christopher A. Webb

A former Farmington High School principal accused of assaulting a woman and killing a dog was acquitted of criminal charges by reason of mental disease or defect Wednesday and committed to the Arkansas State Hospital.

Christopher Webb, 43, was arrested while nude and covered in blood July 19 after choking his fiancee, Shannon Shrum, and trying to jab her eyes, according to police reports. He also slit the throat of Haus, a 13-week-old Labrador puppy, according to the reports.

Webb pleaded not guilty in August to a felony charge of aggravated cruelty to an animal and misdemeanor charges of domestic battery and resisting arrest. His attorney then sought a mental evaluation.

The results of the evaluation prompted Washington County Circuit Judge William Storey to dismiss the case with an order of acquittal due to mental disease or defect. Webb was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, according to the evaluation.

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