SUMMARY: The community mourns the death of 6-year-old Odin Upton, whose body was found near his Gentry home after a full-scale search involving K-9s and helicopters. Although foul play is not suspected, the investigation remains open. Friends and neighbors are rallying to support the grieving family, organizing donations through an online meal train to help with groceries, funeral costs, and daily essentials. Bethany Cain, a family friend, highlights Odin’s playful spirit and notes the family has another child starting school soon. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office expresses deep sympathy for the family during this heartbreaking time.

Friends mourn and rally support after death of 6-year-old Odin Upton

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by Tess Vrbin, Arkansas Advocate
August 7, 2025

Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts Director Marty Sullivan began serving on a national board of judicial administrators July 30, according to a Thursday AOC news release.

Sullivan’s term on the board of directors for the Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA) will last three years. COSCA consists of the chief executives of the court systems in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.

Sullivan has worked for AOC since 2003 and served as Judicial Branch Education Director from 2007 to 2017, when he was appointed director by the state Supreme Court’s then-Chief Justice, John Dan Kemp.

He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Arkansas and master’s degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, according to Thursday’s news release.

Sullivan’s “vast experience” in judicial administration makes him “a valued addition to the COSCA Board of Directors,” COSCA President Corey Steel said in the release.

In a statement, Sullivan said he is “honored” to serve on the board of “an institution that plays a vital role in strengthening the administration of justice in our country.”

“I have deep respect for my colleagues and am humbled by the trust they have placed in me,” Sullivan said. “I look forward to contributing to policy efforts that positively impact the lives of citizens who rely on our nation’s courts.”

Arkansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Karen Baker attempted to fire Sullivan and nine other AOC employees in January. Five of the other six justices blocked Baker’s attempted unilateral decision, calling it “retaliatory” and beyond the scope of her authority.

The same five justices made an employment agreement with Sullivan in December, guaranteeing him job security until the end of 2032 and nearly $1.6 million in pay over that time. The agreement came after Baker, who had been elected but not sworn in as the state’s first female chief justice, entered Sullivan’s office without his permission when he was absent on Dec. 4.

Arkansas Supreme Court chief justice says dispute over her authority could lead to litigation

Baker “was observed looking throughout Mr. Sullivan’s office, including the area behind his desk” and harassed AOC staff, according to a human resources report on the incident made public in March.

On Jan. 13, Sullivan asked Baker to stay away from the AOC offices and not to communicate with his staff, pending the conclusion of a review by the state’s judicial discipline commission.

Baker filed an administrative civil appeal with the Supreme Court against Sullivan later in January; the litigation is still pending.

COSCA works closely with state Supreme Court chief justices “on issues of mutual interest,” according to Thursday’s news release.

Arkansas Advocate is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Arkansas Advocate maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sonny Albarado for questions: info@arkansasadvocate.com.

The post Arkansas courts director elected to national board of judicial administrators appeared first on arkansasadvocate.com

Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Centrist

The content presents a factual and balanced report on the professional achievements of Marty Sullivan and the internal disputes within the Arkansas judicial system. It avoids partisan language or ideological framing, focusing instead on institutional roles, official statements, and documented events. The coverage of conflict between judicial figures is presented with references to multiple perspectives and official sources, reflecting a neutral tone without favoring any political side.

SUMMARY: A Florida man, Derrick Scudder, was sentenced to life in prison in Arkansas for leading a high-speed chase across two states while trafficking suitcases containing 240 pounds of methamphetamine and over 2 pounds of fentanyl. The dangerous chase involved speeds over 110 mph near schools, crashing into police vehicles, and a foot pursuit before arrest. Scudder, with ten prior felony convictions, pleaded guilty to all charges. A jury recommended life imprisonment plus 80 years for trafficking and fleeing police, marking the first life sentence for fentanyl trafficking in Crawford County. His co-defendant, Matthew Bunch, awaits trial.

According to arrest affidavits, police found two suitcases containing 240 pounds of methamphetamine and more than two pounds of fentanyl after a high-speed chase ended near Alma, Arkansas in October 2024.

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