The Van Buren Police Department is actively investigating a homicide after a body was discovered late Friday afternoon along the Arkansas River.
Derek Marshall
On November 14, 2025, at around 5:00 p.m., officers were called to the south end of Lee Creek Drive following a report from a passerby who found a body near the riverbank. Upon arrival, authorities recovered the remains of 30-year-old Derek Marshall of Muskogee, Oklahoma. Detectives quickly determined that the circumstances surrounding his death were suspicious, and the case is now being investigated as a homicide.
Police are urging anyone with information that could assist investigators to call 479-471-5057.
In a later update, the department addressed a second call received at approximately 5:11 p.m. that same evening, also reporting a body found along the river near the south end of Lee Creek Road. Investigators said they are not yet able to release the identity of that individual, noting only that the deceased is not Justin Baker. Notification of next of kin is still pending.
Authorities say both scenes are part of an ongoing, active investigation. Detectives are continuing to process evidence, follow leads, and conduct interviews as they work to determine what happened and whether the incidents are connected.
The Van Buren Police Department is asking the public to remain vigilant and to contact them with any information that may help move the investigation forward.
