NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A tragic incident unfolded in North Little Rock in January 2023 when 27-year-old Brock Welch set out to grab dinner but never returned home. It was not until January 2, 2023, that his lifeless body was discovered, leading to the arrest of then-19-year-old Emil McCoy for his alleged involvement in the crime. Since then, Marcy Welch, Brock’s grieving mother, has been seeking closure and justice for her beloved son.
After a year-long journey seeking answers, the Welch family recently found themselves one step closer to closure. The family made the difficult decision to accept a plea deal to avoid a trial. McCoy, the perpetrator, admitted guilt to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 33 years in prison. Despite this resolution, Marcy Welch expressed mixed emotions, feeling that the punishment did not equate to the loss of her son’s life.
While the legal process has provided some sense of accountability, the motives behind the heinous act remain a mystery to Marcy Welch. She reflects on the profound loss of her only son and continues to mourn his absence, grappling with the unanswered question of why McCoy took Brock’s life. Marcy Welch believes that only three entities truly know the truth: God, Brock, and the individual responsible for the tragedy that befell her family.
In honor of Brock’s memory and passion for mathematics, Marcy Welch has established a memorial scholarship at the University of Central Arkansas, where Brock was a graduate. The scholarship serves as a tribute to Brock’s legacy and aims to support future students in their educational pursuits. Marcy Welch hopes that through this scholarship, another individual facing financial obstacles may receive the opportunity to fulfill their academic aspirations.
As Marcy Welch navigates the ongoing grieving process and endeavors to keep her son’s memory alive, she remains grateful for the cherished memories they shared. Through the establishment of the memorial scholarship, she ensures that Brock’s spirit lives on, leaving a lasting impact on those who benefit from the educational assistance provided in his honor.