Hot Spring County, AR Shooting Leaves 31-Year-Old Man Dead

Malvern, AR – Arkansas State Police are investigating a fatal shooting near Malvern in Hot Spring County, southwest of Little Rock, after a 31-year-old man was shot during an altercation Monday evening.

According to the Arkansas State Police, Hot Spring County sheriff’s deputies responded around 7 p.m. Monday to a 911 call reporting a shooting in the 300 block of Bayne Road. The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division was asked to investigate the death.

Investigators identified the man who died as Michael Torchia, 31. State police said witnesses reported Michael’s father, Linden Torchia, 70, had been attempting to help his son jump-start a vehicle when a verbal and physical confrontation allegedly began.

According to the preliminary account released by state police, Linden reported that Michael allegedly began arguing and then struck the window of Linden’s vehicle with jumper cables and an unidentified metal object.

Police said the confrontation became physical, and Linden fired a weapon, striking Michael in the chest.

The Hot Spring County coroner pronounced Michael dead at the scene. His body was transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, where authorities said an official cause and manner of death will be determined.

No arrest had been made as of Tuesday, Sept. 29. Arkansas State Police said the investigation remains ongoing, and no additional information was being released.

Once the investigation is completed, ASP Criminal Investigation Division special agents are expected to submit the case file to the Hot Spring County prosecuting attorney for review.

Authorities have not announced whether any charges will be filed.