CONWAY, Ark. (KTHV) – According to court records, a woman who was killed by her alleged boyfriend in a motel over the weekend had previously filed an order of protection against him.
Scotty Gardner, 53, of Mayflower faces a charge of capital murder.
According to police, 41-year-old Susan Heather Stubbs was found unconscious in a room at Days Inn on Oak Street on the evening of Sunday, March 6. When officers arrived, they are said to have found her face down on the floor, deceased.
Prosecutor Cody Hiland stated that Gardner and Stubbs were reportedly in a relationship and had been staying at the hotel for several days.
Court records show that Stubbs had previously filed an order of protection for her and her children against Gardner, but later called and asked that the order be dropped. After she did not show up for the hearing, the judge had no choice but to do so.
Reports stated that a motel clerk told police that Gardner booked the room and made arrangements to stay another night, but didn't show up; that's when Stubbs’ body was found.
Police say Gardner was on parole at the time of his arrest, and has been in the Arkansas Department of Correction twice before. His convictions include criminal attempt to commit first degree murder, first degree battery, two weapons charges and a second degree escape. He was last released from prison in December of 2014.
He is being held in the Faulkner County Jail and has a court date set for April 4.
The cause of Stubbs’ death has not been released.
Stay with THV11 and THV11.com as more details as they become available.
