Gentry man admits hitting brother-in-law in death case

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

— A Gentry man admitted to hitting his brother-in-law three times hours before his death, according to court documents filed Friday.

Jimmy Leverne Watkins, 43, was arrested Thursday in connection with manslaughter following the death of Douglas Odell Baugus.

Emergency personnel responded at 10:02 a.m. Dec. 10 to 24551 Cherokee Road to a report of an unresponsive man, according to reports.

Baugus, 54, of Gentry was transported to the Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:59 a.m., according to a news release from the BentonCounty Sheriff ’s Office.

Sheriff's officials learned Monday that Baugus may not have died of natural causes.

Baugus’ sister, Cindy Childress, reported herbrother may have been in a fight prior to his death, according to an affidavit of probable cause. Childress said family members told her Watkins assaulted Baugus.

Baugus’ wife Deborah told investigators her husband called Watkins' wife, Patsy, offensive names.

Watkins listened for a short time before telling Baugus not to talk to his wife that way, according to court documents. Deborah Baugus said she believes Watkins then hit her husband three or four times, according to the affidavit.

Deborah Baugus said her husband’s head dropped and his body went limp and Watkins, who had left the room, returned and put Baugus in bed.

Deborah Baugus said she did not know if her husband passed out from alcohol or from Watkins’ blows, according to court documents.

Family members continued to play dominos,but Deborah Baugus said she became concerned because Baugus did not move or make sounds, according to the affidavit.

Baugus’ daughter-in-law Jamey Easterling checked Baugus, did not feel a pulse and performed CPR, according to court documents.

A 10-year-old boy also witnessed the altercation between Watkins and Baugus. The boy said he saw Watkins grab Baugus by the throat with his left hand and hit Baugus in the jaw with his right hand, according to the affidavit. The boy said the first blow knocked out Baugus, then Watkins hit Baugus two more times.

A medical examiner reported Baugus’ cause of death was subarachnoid hemorrhage or bleeding in the area between the brain and the thin tissue that covers the brain.

Watkins was released from the Benton County Jail Friday on a $10,000 bond.

By Tracy M. Neal [email protected]

News, Pages 5 on 12/22/2010