Suspect wanted for murder allegedly paid $50 to assault 53-year-old Texarkana, Texas, man

Cedric Ballard, left, and Darquales McHenry
Cedric Ballard, left, and Darquales McHenry

TEXARKANA, Texas -- A suspect wanted for murder by Texarkana, Texas, police allegedly was paid $50 to beat a 53-year-old man who died last week of a head injury.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Cedric Ballard, 52, offered to pay Darquales "Smiley" McHenry, 33, to assault Johnny Robinson.

Robinson and another man allegedly worked for Ballard selling cigarettes, beer and marijuana. A witness allegedly reported that Ballard was angry when he came to collect "his money from the back shed and there was only $10," the affidavit states.

The assault on Robinson allegedy occurred March 21. McHenry allegedly beat Robinson until Ballard told him, "He's had enough" and "Come outside and I'll pay you."

Robinson allegedly remained on the couch until someone found him March 22 and called for help. Officers who responded to the 911 call reportedly found Robinson unconscious with blood around his nose and mouth. He was taken to Wadley Regional Medical Center, where he remained in critical condition until his death.

Investigators used Robinson's fingerprints to identify him, as his name was unknown at the time of the 911 call. An autopsy revealed that Robinson suffered a brain bleed and lacerated spleen as well as a black eye and various cuts and bruises.

When detectives searched the Melton Street house, they allegedly found a jar and bowl of money locked in an exterior closet.

Investigators believe the locked closet is the "shed" where Ballard would retrieve cash generated through his alleged business arrangement with Robinson.

Ballard was arrested Friday on a count of murder and is being held in the Bowie County jail with bail set at $1 million.

Ballard is serving a three-year term of felony probation for possession of a controlled substance under 1 gram. He pleaded guilty to the offense Jan. 10 before 5th District Judge Bill Miller.

If a motion to revoke probation is filed in the case, Ballard could be held on that charge without bail.

Police are looking for McHenry. Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts is asked to contact Texarkana Texas Police Department at 903-798-3116 or Texarkana Area Crime Stoppers at 903-793-STOP.

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