BAXTER COUNTY, Arkansas — The search for 49-year-old Brooks Dean Due, the primary suspect in the fatal shooting of his estranged wife, Taylor Due, took a tragic turn on Monday, April 21, 2025, when authorities found his body in Baxter County. Due, of Briarcliff, Arkansas, had been wanted by law enforcement following the deadly shooting earlier that morning in Bull Shoals, Arkansas. His death, believed to be the result of suicide, marks a grim conclusion to a manhunt that spanned multiple counties and involved extensive search efforts.

The investigation into the shooting began early Monday morning when the Marion County Sheriff’s Office reported the tragic death of Taylor Due at a residence in Bull Shoals. Authorities quickly identified Brooks Due as the primary suspect in the fatal domestic shooting and issued arrest warrants for him, charging him with First-Degree Murder and Violation of a Protection Order. At the time of the alert, authorities described Due as armed and dangerous, urging the public to avoid approaching him and to immediately contact law enforcement if he was seen.

The Fatal Shooting: Early Morning Tragedy in Bull Shoals

The incident unfolded on the morning of April 21, 2025, when Taylor Due, 49, was shot and killed at her residence in Bull Shoals, a small city located in Marion County, Arkansas. According to law enforcement officials, the shooting occurred amid ongoing domestic issues between the couple. Brooks Due had previously been served with a protection order against his estranged wife, though authorities did not immediately confirm the details surrounding the couple’s relationship leading up to the tragedy.

As law enforcement began their investigation into the fatal shooting, they learned that Brooks Due was considered the primary suspect. A shooting like this, involving domestic violence, is all too common in the United States, where an estimated 1 in 4 women have experienced severe intimate partner violence at some point in their lives, according to data from the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The impact of domestic violence is wide-reaching, not only harming the immediate victims but also causing psychological trauma to witnesses, including children, and leaving communities grappling with grief and anger.

In response to the shooting, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Bull Shoals Police Department and the Arkansas State Police, launched a comprehensive investigation. They soon identified Due as the suspect and began coordinating a search for him, believing that he was on the run and potentially dangerous.

The Manhunt: Search for Brooks Due

Once Brooks Due was identified as the suspect, authorities launched a manhunt to locate him. The search centered on Due’s known whereabouts, including his residence in Briarcliff, and expanded to nearby areas that he was suspected to be traveling through. A vehicle matching the description of Due’s — a 2013 black Dodge Avenger with Arkansas Disabled license plate 305607 — was located on Shoal Creek Trail, just outside of Norfork Lake, shortly before 2:30 p.m. on Monday afternoon.

In a bid to expedite the search, the Arkansas State Police deployed a helicopter to assist in the aerial search, covering a larger area that was difficult for ground teams to access. Additionally, a canine tracking team from the Arkansas Department of Corrections’ North Central Unit in Calico Rock was brought in to assist in the ground search. The tracking team’s efforts were pivotal in locating Due, as they successfully traced his movements through the dense terrain surrounding Shoal Creek Trail.

The search culminated in the discovery of Brooks Due’s body at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Monday. His body was located about 70 to 75 yards off the road, on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property near Shoal Creek Trail. The Baxter County Coroner’s Office was called to the scene and took possession of the remains. Although the circumstances of his death were not immediately confirmed, law enforcement officials suspect that Due’s death was the result of suicide.

The discovery of his body marked the end of a tense and emotional day for law enforcement, as well as for the family and friends of Taylor Due, who had been eagerly awaiting answers and justice for her tragic death.

The Impact of Domestic Violence: A Tragic Pattern

The shooting death of Taylor Due at the hands of her estranged husband, Brooks Due, brings attention once again to the broader issue of domestic violence in Arkansas and across the United States. According to the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ACADV), domestic violence remains a significant public health and criminal justice issue, with thousands of cases reported each year in the state.

National statistics paint an even more concerning picture. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) estimates that nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States, which amounts to more than 10 million women and men annually. The economic toll of domestic violence is also staggering, with victims suffering from loss of income, increased medical bills, and a higher likelihood of needing long-term psychological treatment.

The tragic loss of Taylor Due underscores the need for greater awareness and prevention efforts related to domestic violence. Although legal protections such as restraining orders are often used to protect victims, they are not foolproof. The fact that Brooks Due had been issued a protection order against his estranged wife highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in enforcing these orders effectively and preventing violent outcomes.

In this case, Taylor Due’s protection order was not enough to prevent the fatal shooting, and the circumstances surrounding her death reflect a tragic and all-too-common pattern of violence in intimate relationships. The community of Bull Shoals, along with law enforcement, is left grappling with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event, while advocates for domestic violence victims are calling for stronger measures to address the root causes of such violence.

The Investigation: Seeking Justice for Taylor Due

The investigation into the shooting death of Taylor Due is still in its early stages, though the discovery of Brooks Due’s body in Baxter County has shifted the focus of law enforcement efforts. With the primary suspect now deceased, investigators are working to piece together the timeline of events leading up to the fatal shooting, examining the relationship between the couple, and determining whether any other factors—such as mental health issues, substance abuse, or prior incidents of violence—contributed to the tragic outcome.

In addition to investigating the circumstances of the shooting, authorities are also focusing on the wider implications of this case for domestic violence prevention efforts. While the investigation into Brooks Due’s actions is still unfolding, there is already a heightened sense of urgency to address the systemic issues that allow intimate partner violence to continue unchecked. Law enforcement officials and domestic violence advocates alike are calling for greater investment in prevention programs, legal reforms, and improved support systems for victims of abuse.

Despite the arrest warrant and the subsequent search efforts, the death of Brooks Due raises questions about the efficacy of existing systems for managing suspects involved in domestic violence situations. The case is prompting further conversations about how law enforcement and community organizations can work together more effectively to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Community Impact and Grief

The tragic death of Taylor Due has left a hole in the Bull Shoals community. Known for its tight-knit, rural atmosphere, the town is now grappling with the violence that has shattered the peace and safety of its residents. The loss of a life so young—especially one taken in such violent circumstances—has sent shockwaves through the community, which is still processing the events of April 18, 2025.

Family, friends, and neighbors of Taylor Due have expressed their deep sorrow over the loss, and many have come together to honor her memory in the wake of the tragedy. A local memorial has been set up, and the community is providing support for her family, particularly in light of the traumatic nature of the crime.

For many in the town, the shooting of Taylor Due and the subsequent search for Brooks Due have also highlighted the vulnerability of women in abusive relationships. While the investigation is ongoing, community leaders are calling for greater awareness of domestic violence issues and more proactive measures to address the factors that lead to these kinds of tragic outcomes.

The Road Ahead: Legal and Social Implications

With the case now involving a deceased suspect, the focus for law enforcement and community organizations will shift to providing closure for the family of Taylor Due and addressing the larger issue of domestic violence prevention. While Brooks Due’s death may mark the end of the immediate search, the emotional and social ramifications of this case will continue to affect those who were close to Taylor Due, as well as the broader community.

Lawmakers and advocates are likely to use this tragedy to push for stronger legal protections for victims of domestic violence, as well as improved access to services for those at risk. Additionally, the case may bring renewed attention to the importance of mental health and substance abuse treatment, especially in situations involving individuals at risk of committing violence.

The family and friends of Taylor Due will undoubtedly face a long journey ahead as they navigate their grief, but with the community’s support and continued attention to the issue of domestic violence, there is hope that lasting changes will be made to prevent future tragedies.

Conclusion: A Call for Action and Reflection

The death of Taylor Due at the hands of her estranged husband, Brooks Due, serves as a tragic reminder of the far-reaching consequences of domestic violence. While the investigation continues and the community processes the loss, this case has sparked important conversations about how society can better address the issue of intimate partner violence and provide victims with the protection and support they need to escape dangerous situations. The hope is that through greater awareness, improved legal protections, and community involvement, such senseless acts of violence can be prevented in the future, and the lives of those affected by domestic abuse can be spared.