In the quiet hours of Sunday morning, the small city of Carlisle, Arkansas, was jolted awake by gunfire that claimed the life of a 37-year-old man. According to reports from the Arkansas State Police (ASP) and the Carlisle Police Department (CPD), officers answered a 911 call to the 400 block of North Greenlaw Avenue at dawn and found local resident Eric Roland deceased at the scene from apparent gunshot wounds.
Witnesses at the scene identified the suspected shooter as 40-year-old Cyle Ramone Cooney of Carlisle, who fled the area in a white Dodge Ram truck. Within hours, the suspect was located and taken into custody by the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office.
Cooney has been charged with first-degree murder, unlawful discharge of a firearm from a vehicle, and possession of a firearm by certain persons. He is being held at the Lonoke County Detention Center on a $150,000 bond and is scheduled to face court on January 12, 2026.
At this point, investigators from the ASP’s Criminal Investigation Division are collaborating with the Carlisle PD to piece together the timeline and motive behind the shooting. They are collecting witness statements, examining forensic evidence, and tracing ballistic findings to better understand what occurred.
For residents of Carlisle, the loss of Eric Roland has sent a wave of grief through neighbors, friends and family. Known locally and connected to the community, his sudden and violent death has shaken the sense of safety in this small city. Authorities are appealing for anyone with information—even the smallest detail—to come forward and assist with the investigation.
Officials emphasize that the case remains under active investigation. ASP and local law-enforcement say they treat this as a top-priority homicide and are working to ensure a thorough, transparent process. They also remind community members that timely tips and cooperation are vital to bringing clarity, accountability and justice to the situation.
As the days unfold, Carlisle will await further information about motive, context and whether this incident was the tragic result of escalation, a confrontation or something else entirely. Meanwhile, the investigation serves as a stark reminder of how sudden violence can ripple through even the tightest-knit communities.