Suspects in stabbing murder remain free on bond

Max Arnold

Max Arnold, 26, of Caruthersville, Mo., posted a $100,000 surety bond in order to be released from the Dunklin County Justice Center after allegedly assaulting and then stabbing a man to death at a party, following what started as a verbal altercation.

The victim, Phillip Jarvas, 32, of Sullivan, Mo., was found lying under the carport of a neighboring home on Fifth Street the morning after the assault on Jan. 27, 2008 by the residents of the home, who claimed they had no idea who the dead man was.

Shelon Skelton

"It was apparent the man suffered a stab wound to the chest," Kennett Police Chief Barry Tate said in January after the initial investigation. "We also concluded he had suffered some type of blunt force trauma to the head."

After recovering a knife near the scene, police determined that it was the murder weapon used to end Jarvas' life.

In-depth investigation led authorities to Arnold and his then-girlfriend, Shelon Skelton, 30, of Gobler, Mo., formerly of Senath, who was said to be responsible for the crime.

Witnesses alledged that Jarvas had been seen at a party arguing with Arnold, who first hit Jarvas over the head with a beer bottle and then proceeded to stab him as a result of the altercation intensifying and continuing outside the residence where the party was taking place.

Witnesses also told police that following the stabbing, Arnold and Skelton fled the scene.

Investigators used the information provided by several witnesses throughout the area to locate the suspect couple in Senath, Mo., where they were brought in for questioning.

According to initial police reports, when questioned, Arnold told police that he remembered pulling out a knife during his second fight with Jarvas.

Arnold was later charged with murder in the second degree, armed criminal action and assault in the first degree. Skelton was also charged with tampering with physical evidence, because police say she intentionally interfered with the investigation by washing Arnold's clothing, which contained blood and other possible DNA evidence as a result of the altercation.

Skelton was incarcerated with Arnold at the Dunklin County Justice Center, but later posted a $20,000 surety bond to get out of jail.

The surety bonds made between Arnold, Skelton, and their bond agent has allowed both suspects to be released from the justice center until they are convicted or found to be not guilty of the alleged crimes.

Arnold most recently appeared in court on June 3 and waived his right to a preliminary hearing, according to Dunklin County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jonce Chidister.

Arnold's next appearance in court is set for Wednesday, July 9 before Judge Stephen Sharp, where an arraignment will take place.

Chidister said Skelton also previously appeared in court on June 20 before Judge John Spielman who found probable cause against her in connection with her charges.

Skelton's arraignment has been scheduled for 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 23.

To view previously reported information on this case log on to the Daily Dunklin Democrat at www.dddnews.com/story/1307537.html.