HOT SPRINGS -- Circuit Judge Wade Naramore of Hot Springs and his wife, attorney Ashley Wright Naramore, said Friday that they are cooperating with law enforcement and the special prosecutor investigating the hot-car death of their son, Thomas, and they asked for the public's patience.
In a 277-word statement released by a family spokesman, the Naramores called the July 24 death of their 18-month-old son a "parent's worst nightmare."
"No words can ever explain the depth of our love for him. This has taken an unimaginable toll on our family, friends, and all those who knew the pure joy of our sweet baby boy. We have learned that we are far from alone in our struggle, as diligent and loving parents from all walks of life have suffered this catastrophic loss under similar horrifying circumstances," the statement said.
It is only the second statement issued by the Naramores since their son's death. Prosecuting Attorney Scott Ellington of Jonesboro is the special prosecutor reviewing the case.
"The criminal investigation into the death of Wade Naramore's son remains under investigation by my office and the Hot Springs Police Department. I have no comment as it relates to the statement Judge Naramore and his wife released today," Ellington said in a statement Friday.
A preliminary investigation showed that Thomas Naramore died on July 24 as the result of excessive heat after being left unattended in a hot car for an undetermined amount of time, Hot Springs police said July 27.
The Naramores' first statement, released July 26 to The Sentinel-Record, called the death a "tragic accident."
Neither statement addressed the specifics of Thomas' death.
Since the death of his son, Wade Naramore has not presided over any cases in the 18th East Judicial Circuit encompassing Garland County. Naramore was elected to the circuit's Division 2, which largely handles cases involving youth.
In the latest statement, the Naramores say that once the investigation is complete and a decision has been made, "regardless of the outcome," they desire to "raise additional awareness" by sharing their story in an effort to "prevent this from happening to other children and families in the future. If even one child is saved and one family spared by the publicity generated by this horrible accident, it will make all the difference in the world."
"We are trying to be as patient as possible as the investigation takes place. We ask for the public's patience with respect to that process as well. We, as much as anyone, want the matter concluded," the statement said.
State Desk on 10/10/2015