BONANZA, Ark. — A grieving Arkansas family is searching for answers — and justice — after a mother and her young twins were found shot to death inside their Bonanza home last week. As investigators work around the clock to identify a suspect, the victim’s eldest son is fighting a deeply personal legal battle of his own: finalizing his mother’s divorce.
Charity Powell-Beallis, 40, and her 6-year-old twins were discovered dead last Wednesday in what investigators have described as a triple homicide. For 24-year-old John Powell, the loss is almost too much to bear, but he says he is clinging to his mother’s faith as he navigates the aftermath.
“She was a good Christian woman that loved her children and loved her family and friends more than anything,” Powell said. “She always put God first, and I’m grateful for that because I know where she is now: in heaven.”
As of now, no suspects have been named, and no arrests have been made. The uncertainty has rattled Powell, who says he fears for his safety and the safety of others close to the family.
“I’m still fearful for my life, as well as a few other people,” he said. “I’m not going to name them for safety reasons, but they’re scared as well.”
A Divorce Finalized — Then Halted
The killings occurred just one day after the final hearing in Powell-Beallis’ divorce from her husband, Dr. Randall Beallis. She had filed for divorce in March, only weeks after Dr. Beallis was arrested for allegedly strangling her in front of their children.
A judge granted an abatement on Monday due to Powell-Beallis’ death — effectively pausing the case. But John Powell is now fighting to reinstate and finalize the divorce, arguing that his mother’s wishes should still be honored.
Court records show Powell went to court on his own behalf, formally petitioning for the case to move forward.
“My legal team has begun to help me fight for my mother’s justice and this divorce case,” he said. “I really can’t disclose a lot of information, but my legal team is working on it.”
A Battle Over Burial
Among Powell’s most urgent concerns is deciding where his mother will be laid to rest. He says he fears the decision may fall into the wrong hands if the divorce is not finalized.
“That’s our top priority right now — to be able to put my mother to rest like she deserves, instead of letting someone else get her body and do whatever they want with it,” he said. “That’s our main goal right now.”
A Multi-Agency Investigation
The Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office is working alongside the Arkansas State Police, local agencies, and federal partners — including Homeland Security — to determine who killed Powell-Beallis and her children. Investigators are executing search warrants, analyzing evidence, and conducting interviews in what authorities describe as a complex and active investigation.
Powell says knowing federal agencies are involved gives him hope.
“I’m glad they have looked into it and are taking the time to pursue this case and bring justice for what has happened,” he said. “I’m very, very grateful.”
As detectives continue their work, Powell says he remains focused on securing justice for his mother and siblings — and ensuring that her final wishes are honored.
“I just want justice for my mother and the little ones,” he said. “That’s all I want.”