The family of Division 2 Garland County Circuit Court Judge Wade Naramore released a statement Sunday evening calling the apparent heat-related death of his 18-month-old son, Thomas, on Friday a "tragic accident."
"On behalf of the Naramore and Wright families, they would like to express heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received in the wake of this tragic accident. They ask for the community's continued prayers and for respect of their privacy in the coming days," read the statement, which was released by a spokesperson for the family.
Garland County Prosecuting Attorney Terri Harris told the newspaper Saturday that there had been no arrest in the child's death, which was still under investigation. An autopsy is scheduled to be performed today.
Hot Springs police officers and LifeNet responded to 120 Fairoaks at 3:12 p.m. Friday stemming from a 911 call reporting an unresponsive child. All lifesaving efforts proved unsuccessful, police said.
A preliminary investigation indicated that it may be a heat-related incident, involving the child being left in a vehicle. Law enforcement officials have neither confirmed whether Naramore was the driver of the vehicle, nor officially released the name of his son as the victim. The statement released Sunday, so far, is the only official confirmation that there is a connection between the two.
Hot Springs residents have both offered up prayers and vilified Naramore on social media, including calls for his resignation in the wake of the incident even though no charges have been filed. At least one person commenting on Facebook posted a link to the Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission for members of the public to file an online complaint against Naramore.
State Sen. Alan Clark, R-District 13, of Lonsdale, offered a prayer of support for the family Saturday on Facebook that was widely shared by supporters.
The prayer states, in part, "Father, we know that some will be calling for judgment. Lord, I feel and hear you calling for mercy. Grant the authorities the wisdom and courage to do the right thing. We both know because of the family's position of authority and leadership that many will call for strict uncaring justice. Authorities will naturally be afraid of showing special treatment. Lord help them to see through this that everyone who deserves mercy should be shown mercy. Not just this family, but we should let no family be punished for a tragic error. There can be no greater punishment than has already been inflicted."
Naramore was elected during a runoff with Cecilia Dyer in November 2014. He replaced longtime Division 2 Judge Vicki S. Cook, who decided to not seek re-election last year. Division 2 hears all juvenile court cases in Garland County.
In a pre-election interview with the newspaper, Naramore said he felt that the position is about helping others. He said he felt that too many parents prefer to be a friend to their child instead of a parent, but the Division 2 judge must have experience dealing with those kinds of cases in order to help them.
Earlier this year, Naramore gained notoriety in a custody hearing involving the children of Michelle and Hal Stanley, whose children were removed from their home in January by the Garland County Sheriff's Department in response to possible child abuse and neglect allegations. The Stanleys regained custody of their youngest children in May.
Naramore, a Hot Springs native, was formerly a deputy prosecuting attorney in Garland County. In addition to serving as a deputy prosecutor, Naramore was a partner with the Naramore Law Firm P.A., where he practiced with his father, Ron, who passed away in June.
Local on 07/27/2015