MAGNOLIA -- A Magnolia man was arrested late Monday in the shooting deaths of two people early Sunday at a Veterans of Foreign Wars building.
The Columbia County sheriff's office, Magnolia police and Southern Arkansas University police are jointly investigating the shooting deaths of SAU football player Brandon T. Hobdy, 23, of Garland, Texas, and former SAU student Wayne Payton, 24, of McNeil.
"On Aug. 25, at 11:35 p.m., investigators from Columbia County Sheriff 's Office and Magnolia Police Department arrested Byron Lavell Dunn, 20, of Magnolia, and charged him with terroristic act concerning the shooting incident at the VFW on the 24th," a news release from Columbia County Sheriff Mike Loe and Magnolia Police Chief Glenn Maxwell said.
At 1:13 a.m. Sunday, authorities received a call reporting a fight at what is called the "VFW Hut." While responders were en route, the dispatcher said a caller reported gunfire.
Upon arrival, officers were able to locate one victim, Hobdy, who had been wounded. Authorities were informed by bystanders that a second person, Payton, had been wounded and transported by private vehicle to Magnolia Regional Medical Center. Both were later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Maxwell said at a Monday news conference that the investigation was ongoing and that he was not able to disclose any more information.
"We are pursuing [the case] vigorously, trying to get it solved," he said.
Maxwell acknowledged that there were "multiple shots" fired but said he was unable to disclose the type of weapon used.
He said it is also not known at this time how many people were inside the VFW building, where authorities believe a "back to school" type of party was being held. It was not sponsored by SAU or a university-related organization.
The building belongs to the VFW organization, but it is unknown who was responsible for the building.
State Desk on 08/27/2014