Franklin Ramirez shot to death while at a roofing worksite.
UPDATE JAN 10, 2022
On December 31, 2022 deputies with the Saline County Sheriff’s Department responded to 8100 block of Narrows Road in reference to a shooting. After an investigation with the assistance of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, a warrant for Manslaughter was sought and signed for William Bettis, age 52, of Little Rock.
Bettis is a manslaughter suspect in this case.
Bettis was taken into custody without incident and transported to Saline County Sheriff’s Department to await bond hearing. This case has been forwarded to the Saline County Prosecuting Attorney.
The official charges are:
- Manslaughter – Class C – Felony
- Hunting Endangerment Prohibited – Endangerment Resulting in Death – Class 5
- Resident Hunting License Requirements – Class 1
- Hunter Education Certificate Requirement Class 1
PREVIOUSLY JAN 4, 2022
A roofer was shot to death on the last day of the year, and his family is looking for answers. The Saline County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) responded to a call about 7:00 a.m. Saturday, December 31, 2022 on Narrows Road, where it was reported that there was a shooting death.
When Deputies arrived, they found a body and evidence confirming that a man – Franklin Ramirez, age 27 – died from a gunshot wound.
He had been working at a residence as a roofer that morning. A friend on the scene stated that Ramirez went into the trees to relieve himself, but he didn’t return. After hearing a gunshot, the workers went to find their friend. When they did, Ramirez had already passed away.
The SCSO said in a statement that all parties involved in this incident have been identified. Their Criminal Investigation Division is currently investigating.
Friends of the family have posted a fundraiser online. The description reads in Spanish: We are making a collection to be able to send Frankin’s body to Guatemala, a young man who left two children and a wife who died this morning after being shot and killed. Visit the fundraiser at https://www.gofundme.com/f/j5dvb4-help-his-family. Ramirez leaves behind a wife and two children.
This is an open investigation, so the SCSO was unable to release more information. MySaline will post updates as they become available.
