Pine Bluff, Arkansas – Pine Bluff police have confirmed that a woman has been taken into custody while another suspect remains on the run after a dog attack that left a 63-year-old man dead earlier this year.
Authorities with the Pine Bluff Police Department announced that Crystal Mayo was taken into custody on the afternoon of March 3, 2026, in connection with the death of Kenny Christopher, who died following a violent dog attack. However, police say John Mayo is still at large, and investigators continue searching for him as the case unfolds.
The two suspects are facing manslaughter charges related to the fatal incident that occurred on February 26, 2026.
Deadly attack discovered after early morning call
The case first came to the attention of law enforcement during the early hours of February 26. According to police, officers responded just after 6:30 a.m. to the 2105 S. Oak area after receiving a report about a possible dead body.
When officers arrived, they discovered an unresponsive older man lying just off the roadway in front of the residence. Emergency responders confirmed that the man had already died before he was discovered.
Police said in their initial report that “On February 26, 2026, just after 6:30 A.M., Officers of the Pine Bluff Police Department responded to 2105 S. Oak, for a reported dead body.”
Investigators noted that the victim did not show any immediately visible gunshot or stab wounds, leaving questions about what caused the death. Authorities also stated at the time that “The male did not have any readily identifiable gunshot or stab wounds.”
Even though early signs did not clearly point to a homicide, investigators said the case would still be treated seriously while medical experts worked to determine the cause of death. Police explained that “Although it is not believed that this death is a homicide, it will be investigated as one until cause and manner of death are determined by a medical examiner at the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory.”
Officials also initially withheld the victim’s name until family members could be notified.
Investigation leads to dog attack and manslaughter charges
As detectives continued their investigation, new evidence revealed a tragic and violent cause behind the man’s death.
Authorities later determined that dogs belonging to Crystal Mayo and John Mayo had attacked and killed the victim, who was identified as 63-year-old Kenny Christopher.
Following this discovery, investigators moved quickly to seek arrest warrants for the dog owners. Both Crystal Mayo and John Mayo were charged with manslaughter in connection with Christopher’s death.
Police released descriptions of the suspects while attempting to locate them. According to investigators, Crystal Mayo is approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs about 130 pounds, while John Mayo is about 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs around 300 pounds.
On March 3, police confirmed that Crystal Mayo had been located and taken into custody. Despite that arrest, authorities say the search continues for John Mayo.
The Pine Bluff Police Department is asking the public to help locate the remaining suspect. Anyone with information about John Mayo’s whereabouts is urged to contact investigators.
Officials ask anyone with tips to call the detective office tip line at 870-730-2106, the detective office at 870-730-2090, or the dispatch center at 870-541-5300.
As the investigation continues, police say more details may be released once additional evidence is reviewed and the case progresses through the legal system.
