BENTONVILLE, AR – An Arkansas man will spend the next 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the shooting death of his 6-year-old daughter. Jordan Chadick, 45, was sentenced following an investigation that raised doubts about his initial claim that the shooting was accidental.
The tragic incident occurred on May 29, 2023, when police responded to an emergency call and discovered Chadick and his wife, Melissa, holding their daughter, who was unresponsive and had a gunshot wound to the head. Chadick initially told police that he “did not know what happened,” claiming he was putting his daughter to bed when the gun discharged.
However, as authorities delved deeper into the case, a troubling picture of Chadick’s history emerged. Court documents revealed past incidents of violence, coupled with reports of alcohol and drug abuse. Witnesses reported that these factors might have played a significant role in the tragic event.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the day following the incident, Melissa’s sister, Michelle Merriott, informed police of a suspicious conversation indicating an attempt to align stories between the couple. Michelle also mentioned a confrontation earlier that day wherein Melissa had asked Jordan to leave the house, which he initially resisted.
Further details emerged involving the presence of alcohol; both Chadick and his brother-in-law, Todd Merriott, noted its smell on Chadick’s breath after the incident. Todd suspected drug use as well, believing his brother-in-law was under the influence of methamphetamine.
Witnesses familiar with Chadick painted a dire portrait, describing him as prone to carrying a gun when intoxicated or high. One particularly disturbing account involved him allegedly threatening his wife with a firearm in the past.
Following these revelations, Chadick’s narrative came under heightened scrutiny. A neighbor recounted Chadick admitting to having shot his daughter and asking others to inform his wife of the incident. His actions immediately after the shooting also raised questions, as cellphone records indicated he made several calls, none of which were to 911.
Initially charged with first-degree murder, Chadick was arrested on August 1, 2023. Friday’s court proceedings concluded with his guilty plea to the lesser charge of second-degree murder. The judge’s sentencing reflects the serious nature of the crime, acknowledging the loss of a young life and the broader impacts on the family and community.
The case casts a spotlight on the devastating potential for domestic situations to escalate when complicated by substance abuse and access to firearms. Chadick’s plea brings a measure of resolution, but the incident leaves behind lingering grief for a life ended far too soon.