Son Charged with Murder After Fatally Shooting Father in Closet, Despite Claiming Self-Defense

September 18, 2024

Fayetteville, ARKANSAS: A disturbing father-son dispute turned deadly on Sunday afternoon, leaving one man dead and his son facing first-degree murder charges. Robert Dickson, 29, called 911 claiming self-defense after shooting his father with a shotgun, but investigators say evidence contradicts his story.

According to the Fayetteville Police Department, Dickson reported a dispute with his father at their North Bernice Drive residence. Dickson alleged that both he and his father produced firearms, leading to a shooting. However, police say evidence doesn't support Dickson's claim of self-defense.

"After a swift and thorough investigation, Dickson was found to have shot the man without legal justification and with a purpose of killing him," police stated.

Dickson told police that his father, armed with a pistol, shot first, prompting him to grab a shotgun and return fire. "He shot at me first. He was shooting his gun through my door from his room," Dickson allegedly claimed.

Investigators found the victim shot to death in his bedroom closet, with a pistol nearby. However, there were no bullet holes in doors, but two bullet holes in the wall of the stairway, suggesting Dickson entered the room with intent to kill.

Dickson is being held at the Washington County Detention Center on a $750,000 bond. His initial court appearance is scheduled for September 18, with a second court date set for October 14.