An Arkansas man has been charged with first-degree murder following the fatal shooting of his brother. Dustin Cannon, 42, allegedly emptied an entire clip of bullets into his brother, Austin Cannon, claiming that his sibling had threatened his family. The incident came to light when local law enforcement responded to a call at a residence on Monday evening.
Upon arrival at the property on Heber Springs Road North, Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office deputies were met by a man later identified as the suspect, Dustin Cannon. They also discovered another man, Austin Cannon, who was motionless and appeared to have been shot multiple times. The victim was found outside the home with gunshot wounds ranging from his torso to his neck area, according to court documents.
Dustin Cannon was subsequently interviewed by detectives who were called to investigate the incident. He reportedly confessed to the killing, stating that his brother had threatened to harm his wife and daughter. According to the affidavit, Dustin claimed that Austin had approached him aggressively and raised his fist to strike him, prompting him to open fire.
The suspect also reportedly told investigators that he had used a .40-caliber gun, which held 21 rounds, and had fired all the ammunition. Austin Cannon is believed to have been standing on the back porch when he was shot. After falling to the ground, he was shot several more times, authorities said.
A female witness to the shooting was also interviewed. She reportedly told investigators that Dustin was angry with Austin for abandoning his family and for his lack of employment. She also mentioned that Dustin had spoken about their mother’s intention to remove Austin from her will.
Investigators also examined Austin Cannon’s cellphone, where they reportedly found a series of aggressive and profanity-laden messages from Dustin. Detectives noted that the shooting victim had arrived at the suspect’s house just minutes after the final message was sent.
Dustin Cannon, a teacher in the Bald Knob School District, is currently being held in the Cleburne County Detention Center on a $1 million bond.