SHERIDAN, Ark. (KTHV) - Questions and rumors still remain in the wake of 17-year-old Austin Moody's death. His suspected killer, 45-year-old Rusty Draper, is currently being held at the Grant County Jail.
Why deputies believe Draper is responsible for the murder of Moody is still unclear. On Monday, we learned that an affidavit that would provide details has been sealed because of some of the information in it and the ongoing investigation.
"He was just one of the few people that showed me around," said Robert Bell, who met Moody when he moved to Sheridan in 9th grade. “The first time I met him was in geometry class and he went out to shake my hand.”
The entire school is still mourning the death and wanting answers even following Draper’s arrest.
“I was surprised because it’s a 45-year-old man. So, it’s kind of one of those things where when you do the math, it’s like this just doesn’t add up,” said Bell.
THV11 obtained Draper’s booking sheet which states he did have a video hearing the day he was arrested where the judge set no bond. That booking sheet is also where it’s learned that the Grant County Sheriff’s Office originally set a $1 million bond that the judge reset to no bond after reviewing the affidavit and determining there was probable cause.
"Bring whoever done it to justice is the main thing and let everybody get on with their lives the best they can," said David Hooks, a Sheridan resident.
In the small community, neighbors, friends, and those who barely knew him are still feeling the loss and hoping for closure.
“Everybody's been feeling sorry for the families involved in all this its affected our small community, but we've got a good sheriff’s department that’s investigating it and I believe that they’ll make all the right decisions," said Hooks.
“There are some people who I know that are getting tattoos with his football number, 64, on it with his last name, Moody,” said Bell.
Draper is set to appear in court on Tuesday, February 14 on a first degree murder charge. The Deputy prosecuting attorney told us so far, no attorney has contacted him to defend Draper.