Missouri man allegedly raped and impregnated NW Arkansas teenager

Benton County Man Accused of Kidnapping, Rape

A Community Left Shaken

A horrific crime in Bentonville, Arkansas, has left the community in shock. Marcos Antonio Morales, a 20-year-old resident of Benton County, is accused of kidnapping and raping a woman in a widely publicized incident at the local Walmart Supercenter.

The Incident

On Monday, November 11, the woman reported that she had been robbed or raped after an ordeal at the Walmart Supercenter on Walton Boulevard. According to the probable cause affidavit, the woman had gone to the Supercenter around 4:30 p.m. to gather items. Upon leaving the store, she was met by a man wearing a dark sweatshirt with the hood up and a ski mask.

The man jumped into the passenger seat of her vehicle, showed her a pistol, and ordered her to calm down. He then directed her to drive to a school on Melissa Drive, where he ordered her to back into a parking spot near bushes. The suspect then struck her in the head and ordered her out of the vehicle.

Ordeal Continues

The woman tried to run away but was stopped when the man pointed a gun at her. She was subsequently forced into the back cargo area of her vehicle by the suspect. He later directed her to get into the backseat with him and ordered her to blindfold herself using her shirt.

Rape and Aftermath

The horrific situation culminated with the woman being raped by the suspect inside the vehicle. Afterward, he ordered her to drive him back to the Walmart Supercenter. When they arrived, the suspect threw her cellphone into a grassy area and told her she could retrieve it later, before abandoning her and walking away.

Arrest and Charges

Following an intensive investigation by the police, Morales was arrested on Tuesday in connection with rape, kidnapping, terroristic threatening, and aggravated assault. Despite not yet filing formal charges, prosecutors strongly indicated that Morales could face multiple rape charges for his attack on the woman.

Legal Proceedings

During his bond hearing, Judge Robin Green described the evidence against Morales as strong. The Benton County Prosecuting Attorney, Joshua Robinson, requested a 0,000 cash-only bond, which was granted. This decision reflects the severity of the crime and the perceived threat Morales poses to the community.

Morales' Defense

Morales defended himself by stating he had lived in Arkansas for 18 years, with brief periods in Oklahoma and Fort Benning, Georgia, where he was in the U.S. Army. He claimed his parents and siblings live in the area and that he worked as a mechanic until recently starting a job as a mover.

Given his financial situation at the time of the hearing—mentioning only a few hundred dollars—Morales stated that his fiancé could retrieve the money from his home at the Benton County Jail. Unable to afford hiring a private attorney, Morales was appointed representation by the Benton County Public Defender’s Office.

Restrictions and Community Awareness

Judge Green set bond at 0,000 cash only and ordered Morales to have no contact with the woman he is accused of attacking. This strict measure underscores the serious nature of the charges filed against him and aims to safeguard both the victim and the community.

As investigations continue, the community remains vigilant, emphasizing the importance of public safety and awareness. The case highlights the need for vigilance in public places and underscores the importance of trusting one’s instincts during potentially threatening situations.

Summary of Charges

Kidnapping: Morales is accused of forcibly taking the woman from her vehicle.
Rape: He is charged with a serious sexual assault.
Terroristic Threats: The suspect allegedly used a gun to intimidate his victim.
Aggravated Assault: He physically harmed the woman during the ordeal.

The case against Marcos Antonio Morales serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can occur in public spaces and underscores the importance of swift and decisive action by law enforcement in protecting victims of such crimes.

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