2nd suspect arrested in Garland County triple shooting

Benjamin Pitts, 24.
Benjamin Pitts, 24.

A second suspect in a Garland County triple shooting that left one woman dead has been arrested.

Benjamin Pitts, 24, was taken into custody by police Wednesday on a parole violation and is also being charged with capital murder, aggravated residential burglary and two counts of attempted capital murder, Lt. James Martin with the Garland County sheriff’s office said.

Pitts’ arrest comes after Steven Swanigan, 30, was taken into custody Wednesday on charges of capital murder, two counts of attempted capital murder and aggravated burglary.

The two men are accused of fatally shooting Mayela Mata, 26, and injuring an unidentified man and a 20-month-old.

The shooting happened about 5 p.m. April 30 at an apartment complex at 200 Springwood Road outside Hot Springs.

Upcoming Events