Accused Fayetteville shooter's arraignment set; victim's friend starts memorial fund

 Christopher Rankin
Christopher Rankin

FAYETTEVILLE -- The Sherwood man arrested in connection with a New Year's Day homicide is set to be arraigned Feb. 5.

Christopher Rankin, 25, admitted being involved in the shooting but claimed he fired the gun while fleeing from the man who was killed, according to a police report.

Rankin was at the Washington County Detention Center on $250,000 bond Thursday.

Trenton Coney, 22, of Springdale was pronounced dead at 1:40 a.m. Monday at a hospital. He was shot once in the chest, according to a news release from the Fayetteville Police Department.

Coney's friend, Kristen Zebell started a GoFundMe Memorial Fund on Wednesday to support his family, she said.

"Trenton Coney was the sweetest most genuine person," she said. "He was strong willed, great head on his shoulders, always did the right thing, always looking out for those he loved."

Those involved in the incident seemed to be leaving a private New Year's Eve party just down the street at 339 N. West Ave., Police Chief Greg Tabor said.

Several witnesses told police Rankin was talking with a woman in the parking lot of Arsaga's at the Depot when Coney walked up to check on her. Coney and the woman were friends, according to the police report.

Rankin got upset, pulled a gun from his jacket pocket and pointed it at Coney, according to the release.

The men exchanged words and Rankin put the gun back in his pocket before a physical altercation began. Coney fell to the ground before Rankin stood over him, pulled the gun from his pocket and fired one shot striking Coney in his chest, according to the release.

A police officer was flagged down at 12:47 a.m. Rankin fled and police found and arrested him about 4 a.m. near Stadium Drive and Rochier Street.

"This was so senseless, most all killings are, but this was even more senseless than most," Tabor said.

NW News on 01/05/2018

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