Fayetteville Man Convicted of Murdering Woman Left on Side of I-49
A July 2024 crime involving the death of a woman found on the side of I-49 has concluded with a verdict. Lazarus Reaves, a 32-year-old Fayetteville man, was convicted of capital murder and tampering with physical evidence.
The case began in December 2020 when Arkansas State Police received reports of a black car with a Georgia license plate driving recklessly on I-49. A witness claimed to have seen the woman’s body fall from the car, leading to the identification of the victim as Shaletian Robin Zetta Larry, a 27-year-old woman from Conyers, Georgia. The car’s license plate belonged to Larry, indicating that the vehicle was hers.
Reaves, who was arrested in December 2020 and pleaded not guilty, was found guilty by a jury in a Washington County Circuit Court on August 6, 2024. The conviction was the result of a joint investigation between the Arkansas State Police and the Fayetteville Police Department. Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Denis Dean acknowledged the efforts of these law enforcement agencies, stating that their thorough investigation enabled the jury to convict Reaves.
Reaves received a life sentence without parole, along with an additional six years for tampering with evidence. This verdict reflects the severe penalties often given to those convicted of such crimes. The case highlights the ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable for their actions and the role that law enforcement agencies play in bringing criminals to justice.
