Couple Indicted for Kidnapping and Murder Arraigned in Federal Court

TEXARKANA, AR—Conner Eldridge, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Leslie Bruce Larcade and Chrystal Lynn Larcade appeared in federal court this morning for arraignment on charges of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping resulting in death. Leslie Larcade, 47, and his wife Chrystal Larcade, 37, both of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Harry F. Barnes who scheduled trial for April 18, 2012. If convicted of the conspiracy charge Leslie and Chrystal Larcade face up to life imprisonment and up to $250,000 in fines and if convicted of kidnapping resulting in death, Leslie and Chrystal Larcade face punishment of life imprisonment or death. A federal grand jury returned the indictment in this matter on January 25, 2012.

The indictment alleges that on August 13, 2011, the defendants handcuffed the victim, placed him in a vehicle, and drove him from McCurtain County, Oklahoma to Miller County, Arkansas. It is also alleged that the defendants placed a noose around the neck of the victim causing various injuries to the victim which resulted in his death. The indictment further alleges that the defendants dumped the body of the victim at the Texarkana Speedway in Miller County, Arkansas.

This case is being investigated by the Miller County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas State Police, the McCurtain County Oklahoma Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Kenny Elser appeared in court today on behalf of the United States.

The charges in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless or until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.