Fayetteville

Roommate Convicted of First-Degree Murder as Sentencing Phase Looms in Dramatic Fayetteville Case

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A jury has found Jason Lawson guilty of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the death of his roommate, Benjamin Martin. The verdict was reached Thursday after a trial that shed light on the events surrounding Martin’s death in 2024. The case began when Fayetteville police responded to a call from a third roommate, a woman who alleged that Lawson had fatally harmed Martin following a violent dispute. Upon their arrival, officers discovered Martin’s body, leading to the swift arrest of Lawson. Testimony during the trial revealed escalating tensions between Lawson … Read more

Springdale Law Firm Secures $6.58 Million Verdict Against Fayetteville Attorney in Grieving Families’ Exploitation Case

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SPRINGDALE, Ark. — A federal jury has delivered a significant verdict against a Fayetteville attorney, awarding $4.58 million in damages to a local personal injury law firm following allegations of unethical practices involving funeral home “runners.” These individuals, not licensed attorneys, were reportedly employed to solicit clients at funerals for attorney Tony Pirani. The jury found Pirani guilty of engaging in a racketeering scheme that exploited grieving families through fraudulent practices tied to funeral establishments. According to Mark Murphey Henry, who represented the Jason M. Hatfield P.A. firm in the lawsuit, the jury also imposed … Read more

Festival Feud Finale: Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Ex-Directors Settle Year-Long Defamation Dispute with Nominal $100 Verdict

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Fayetteville, NC — In a notable legal conclusion emerging from Cumberland County Superior Court on Tuesday, a jury awarded a nominal $100 in damages at the end of a defamation lawsuit involving two former directors of the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival. This legal battle attracted attention due to its focus on accusations made through social media. The dispute centered on Malia Allen, who managed the festival from 2018 to 2020, and her predecessor Carrie King, who held the position from 2006 to 2018. The controversy began after Allen released several videos on TikTok and other platforms … Read more

Free Legal Aid Clinic at Fayetteville Library Empowers Individuals with Name and Gender Marker Changes During Pro Bono Week

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Fayetteville, Ark. – In a significant community outreach effort, the University of Arkansas School of Law, in collaboration with Legal Aid of Arkansas and volunteer attorneys, hosted a “Name and Gender Marker Change Clinic” at the Fayetteville Public Library on Thursday. This event was a part of Pro Bono Week, an annual event celebrated across the nation, aimed at enhancing justice in communities through volunteer legal services. Legal Aid of Arkansas, a non-profit organization, works to provide free legal assistance in civil cases to low-income residents throughout Arkansas. Pro Bono Week, observed from October 20-26, … Read more