A suspect has been arrested in connection with recent murder in Zavalla

Angelina County Sheriff Tom Selman said Friday that an investigation has not only resulted in a significant lead, but also the arrest of a suspect in connection with a recent murder that occurred in the small town of Zavalla. According to Selman, deputies from Lufkin traveled to Clarksville, Arkansas on Friday with warrants in hand for the arrest of Jeremy Wayne Gladden, a 40-year-old man from Zavalla. Officers believe Gladden is responsible for the death of Lawrence Jason Wise who is believed to have died from a gunshot wound at his home located near the intersection of Hutch Hopson and Hopsonville Roads southeast of Zavalla on January 23rd. Selman said that soon after Wise's body was discovered in a shed at his home, officers soon learned that his truck was missing and a few days later learned that the vehicle was had been seen in Coal Hill, Arkansas. Selman that upon notification of authorities in Johnson County, Arkansas, officers there located and captured Gladden following a short foot chase. Deputies have reportedly interviewed Gladden and obtained statements about what happened at the home but so far they have not released any additional information.