Taylor David Rhoades Arrested for DWI and Negligent Homicide After Crash on I-555 Kills Two Paragould Men
A devastating crash on Interstate 555 near Trumann, Arkansas, has left two families grieving and an entire community in shock. Authorities have arrested 25-year-old Taylor David Rhoades, of Pocahontas, on multiple felony charges following a deadly wreck on the evening of Wednesday, June 26, 2025, that claimed the lives of two Paragould men and highlighted the ongoing dangers of impaired driving on Arkansas roads.
🚨 The Collision
According to the Arkansas State Police (ASP), the crash occurred around 8:30 p.m. near mile marker 33 on I-555, just outside of Trumann in Poinsett County. Investigators say that Rhoades was driving a 2022 Dodge Ram pickup northbound at a high rate of speed when he veered into a construction zone and rear-ended a slow-moving or stopped vehicle — a 2005 Ford Taurus — with such force that both vehicles were pushed off the roadway and overturned.
The impact was catastrophic. Emergency responders arriving on the scene found the two occupants of the Taurus — later identified as 34-year-old Justin Clay and 31-year-old Robert Kinney, both of Paragould — unresponsive and trapped in the wreckage. Despite lifesaving efforts, both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
⚖️ Arrest and Charges
After showing obvious signs of intoxication, Rhoades was given a field sobriety test and subsequently placed under arrest by ASP troopers. A breathalyzer test reportedly indicated that Rhoades’ blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeded the legal limit, and toxicology samples were collected for further analysis.
Rhoades has been charged with two counts of Negligent Homicide, Driving While Intoxicated (1st Offense), Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Control. He was booked into the Poinsett County Detention Center, where he is being held on a $250,000 bond.
According to court records, Rhoades had prior traffic violations on record, including citations for speeding and careless driving — though this marks his first DWI offense.
🕊️ Remembering the Victims
The victims, Justin Clay and Robert Kinney, were longtime friends and co-workers who were traveling home from a job site when the collision occurred. Both were described by family members as hardworking, kind-hearted, and full of life. Justin was a father of two and loved fishing and coaching Little League, while Robert was known for his musical talent and close-knit bond with his siblings.
“They were just heading home like any other day. They didn’t deserve this,” said Ashley Kinney, Robert’s sister. “This didn’t have to happen. Drinking and driving destroyed two families.”
🗣️ Community Outrage and Grief
The tragedy has sparked outrage and sorrow across Paragould and Trumann. Friends, neighbors, and loved ones have been flooding social media with condolences and calls for justice. A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Saturday evening at Harmon Park in Paragould to honor the lives lost.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) released a statement in the wake of the crash, saying:
“Our hearts go out to the families of Justin and Robert. This is yet another tragic and 100% preventable loss caused by someone’s reckless decision to drive impaired. We will continue to advocate for stronger enforcement and public education around the dangers of driving under the influence.”
🚓 Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The Arkansas State Police and the Poinsett County Prosecutor’s Office are continuing their investigation. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses and dashcam data are being reviewed as part of the case.
Rhoades is expected to appear for a preliminary hearing in the coming days. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison per negligent homicide charge, in addition to other penalties tied to the DWI and reckless driving charges.
🚧 A Grim Reminder
This tragedy underscores the ongoing issue of drunk driving in Arkansas and across the nation. Despite decades of public safety campaigns, impaired driving continues to claim thousands of lives each year. In 2024 alone, the state of Arkansas recorded over 400 alcohol-related crashes, many resulting in fatalities or serious injury.
“Every time someone chooses to drive under the influence, they gamble with lives—not just their own, but innocent people’s too,” said Trooper Elijah Ramsey with the ASP. “This is why we take enforcement so seriously.”
💐 In Memoriam
Funeral arrangements for Justin Clay and Robert Kinney are being handled by local funeral homes and will be announced in the coming days. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support both families with funeral expenses and long-term care for the children left behind.
As the legal process unfolds, the community remains united in grief, determined to honor the memories of two men whose lives were taken far too soon — and to demand accountability for the actions that led to their untimely deaths.