Arkansas Deadly Inmate Attack: Tucker Unit Inmate Faces Manslaughter Charge

PINE BLUFF, AR — An Arkansas inmate will be charged with manslaughter stemming from a deadly attack on another prisoner at the Tucker Unit, a prosecutor said. The incident wasn't reported to state police for nearly a week.

John Demoret died nearly two weeks after a July 28 assault at the prison, about 30 miles southeast of Little Rock. Another inmate will be charged Monday, prosecutor Kyle Hunter said. Demoret's death was among several violent incidents at Arkansas prisons since July, including two last week.

An affidavit names James Buyard, 24, who is serving five years on theft and drug charges in Independence County, Hunter said. Buyard doesn't have a lawyer, the prosecutor said. His initial court appearance is slated for November. (For more information on the deadly Tucker Unit attack and other Across Arkansas stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Demoret was 25 when he died. He was serving 10 years for manslaughter.

Photo credit: Arkansas Department of Correction via AP