Dad threatened to kill anyone who testified against him in custody hearing; now arrested for murder of stepdad (Tuckerman, Arkansas)

It's interesting how headlines can be written to emphasize particular facts. It wasn't really as a "stepson" that IKE SHAWNDALE NUNN "allegedly" committed this murder. It was as an abusive, control-freak father who was intent on getting his way with child custody--even if it required witness intimidation and murder. In this instance, it just happened to be Daddy's stepfather who apparently "crossed" him and paid the consequences. Usually it's Mom, the kids, and/or Mom's family members or friends who get slaughtered by these abuser dads...but not always.

http://www.kait8.com/story/15652901/tuckerman-police-say-stepson-killed-father-in-custody-dispute

Tuckerman Police say stepson killed father in custody dispute
Posted: Oct 09, 2011 5:52 PM CDT
Updated: Oct 11, 2011 5:59 AM CDT
By Josh Harvison,

TUCKERMAN, AR (KAIT) – A man charged with first degree murder is in custody at a Toledo, Ohio mental facility awaiting extradition to Arkansas.

Phillips was found dead inside his mobile home in Tuckerman early Sunday afternoon. Police have identified the suspect as Ike Shawndale Nunn, who is currently being held at a mental facility.

According to Tuckerman Police Chief Jonathan Tubbs, a person of interest was developed within two hours of investigating the crime scene Sunday.

Region 8 News obtained a copy of the bench warrant filed in Jackson County Circuit Court. The report suggests Nunn was the step-son of Phillips. Witnesses indicated they heard Nunn threatening to kill anyone who testified against him during a child custody hearing on Wednesday, October 5, 2011.

Witnesses also claimed to have seen Nunn drinking beer outside Phillips residence later that afternoon.

"I've been a Jackson County resident my whole life. I grew up in Grubbs, a small town about 12 miles away. I've been around the area my entire life and never heard of anything close to Tuckerman of this magnitude," said Tubbs.

During the investigation, police recovered a wooden baseball bat with what appeared to be blood on it inside the victim's home. An autopsy on Phillips indicated he died from blunt force trauma to the head and had several skull fractures.

The body was discovered Sunday afternoon after police conducted a welfare check. "We received a call from our sheriff's department, which does our dispatching for our city. There was a welfare concern from a local neighbor here in town," said Tubbs. "They hadn't seen our victim in quite some time."

"It was in the bed room of the mobile home and it was, it appeared that he was in bed at the time of the incident," said Tubbs.

Region 8 News will continue to track this developing story and will provide updates throughout the evening. Tune into Region 8 News at 5 and 6 for more information.