CORRECTION: Unfortunately, there was initially a typo in this article. It has been edited. The correct name of the suspect is Derek Allen Pike (pictured above).
A Benton woman is dead and a man she knew is facing several charges, including murder. On February 27, 2025, deputies and detectives from the Saline County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) responded to a death investigation on Smith Ford Road in Benton, Arkansas. Upon arrival, they discovered April Ann Jez, age 41, of Benton, unresponsive inside the home.
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The Saline County Coroner’s Office pronounced Jez deceased at the scene. SCSO detectives investigated, along with the Coroner’s Office. The agencies concluded that the victim’s death was homicide.
That same day, detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence. The search led to the discovery of firearms, body armor, and marijuana. As a result, Derek Allen Pike of Benton, was initially arrested on several charges:
• Possession of a Firearm by Certain Persons,
• Criminal Possession of Body Armor, and
• Possession of a Controlled Substance (Marijuana).
On February 28, 2025, Pike appeared before the Saline County District Court and was issued a $10,000 bond.
As the investigation progressed, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Pike on February 28th. At that time they added a charge of:
• Murder in the 2nd Degree.
On March 3, 2025, the Saline County District Court set Pike’s bond at $1 million for this charge.
This investigation remains ongoing. The Saline County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information related to this case to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at (501)303-5609.
