Shooting suspect released from county jail on bond

FAYETTEVILLE — A Combs man arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of his neighbor bonded out of jail Monday after his bond and the preliminary charge were reduced.

Two neighbors got into an altercation about 8:15 a.m. Aug. 8, which ended with 30-year-old Samuel Scott Hicks being fatally shot, according to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said Dale Wayne Bryant was arrested on a preliminary charge of capital murder. Bail was set at $250,000, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Bryant was being held at the Washington County jail, which also houses detainees for Madison County.

The preliminary charge against Bryant was reduced to manslaughter and Circuit Judge Joanna Taylor reduced Bryant’s bond to $3,500. Bryant posted a cash bond, according to Kelly Cantrell with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Prosecutors haven’t filed formal charges against Bryant. His arraignment is tentatively set for Sept. 12 in Huntsville.

Matt Durrett, prosecutor for the 4th Judicial District, said more evidence came to light as the investigation proceeded. Durrett didn’t elaborate on what further information investigators may have discovered.

Manslaughter, if convicted, is punishable by three to 10 years a the Arkansas Department of Correction and fines of up to $10,000.

Bryant