On December 12, 2024 the Izard County Sheriff's Office was made aware of a rape and domestic battering that occurred in the 1200 Block of Ridge Circle, Horseshoe Bend, AR. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the suspect, Shawn Higginbotham, was incarcerated in Independence County on domestic related charges involving the same female victim.

During an interview with Izard County Sheriff's Office Investigators, the victim stated that from December 7 to December 8, Shawn Higginbotham physically

assaulted her, specifically kicking/stomping her head, torso, hips and legs. The victim disclosed that Higginbotham had struck in the face and head multiple times using a closed fist. The victim stated that immediately after being struck in the head, she began to fade in and out of consciousness. Higginbotham subsequently positioned himself in a standing position, straddling her body, braced himself on the doorway and bathroom counter and repeatedly started striking her body with his foot in a downward "stomping" motion. The victim also stated that Higginbotham had threatened her with a large knife. The assault continued and later turned from a physical assault to a rape. During the incident, the victim sustained serious physical injuries. The victim asked for Higginbotham to take her or allow her to get medical help and he refused and told the victim he would go to jail if anyone saw how severely beaten, she was.

During an interview with an Investigator, Higginbotham stated "I'm admitting, I (censored) up man. I don't remember what started it".

As a result, Shawn Michael Higginbotham, age 33, has been charged in the Izard County Circuit Court with kidnapping, rape, domestic battery 1st degree, and aggravated assault on a family or household member. Higginbotham was also charged as a habitual offender. Higginbotham is still incarcerated in the Independence County Jail.

Booking photo of Higginbotham courtesy of the Independence County Sheriff's Office.