3 dead, Fort Smith Police officer recovering following Sunday morning incident

Three people are dead and a Fort Smith Police officer is recovering after being attacked following an incident early Sunday morning on the 2800 block of Tilles Avenue.

In an afternoon press conference, Fort Smith Police Chief Danny Baker said officers were dispatched to a report of a disturbance fight with weapons at 6:20 a.m.  

Upon arrival, the unidentified officer found a man hitting another individual, identified as a 15-year-old boy, in the face and head with a brick. 

When told by the officer to stop, 40-year-old Christofer Conner appeared to comply but Baker said when the officer attempted to put Conner in restraints, he produced an edged weapon and sliced the police officer in the throat and neck.

The officer then fired two shots, killing Conner.

The boy, identified as Conner's son, was pronounced dead at the hospital. He had sustained multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma.

Inside the home, police saw evidence of a violent attack and located the body of Julia Marie Moore who had suffered multiple stab wounds. A 5-year-old child, also found inside the house, was placed with relatives.

"I have no doubt our officer's swift actions saved this young child's life," Baker said.

The injured officer underwent surgery for "serious lacerations to throat and neck" and is recovering in stable condition.

The injured officer will be placed on administrative leave. A second officer, who was not involved in the shooting, will also be placed on leave "pending post-critical incident treatment."

"Fort Smith is a wonderful community and when unimaginable tragedies like this happen, they leave us scared, angry, frustrated, and for some, homeless," Baker said. "It hurts us as much as it does each of you when an outcome like this is unavoidable.

"I'm thankful for officers, who are willing to put their lives on the line when evil threatens our community. I'm thankful for the medical team who took care of our officer and I'm thankful for a community that always pulls together when tragedy strikes."

The Arkansas State Police have been called in to lead the investigation.