Man Accused of Threatening to Kill Woman Calls Her During Police Interview — Detectives Put Him on Speakerphone

A disturbing case in Arkansas took an unexpected turn when a man accused of repeatedly threatening to kill a woman allegedly called her while she was being interviewed by police about the very threats he had made. Instead of ending the investigation, the call reportedly gave detectives an opportunity to hear the conversation firsthand and document statements that could become important evidence in the case.

Donald Watson, 32, of Paragould, Arkansas, was accused of repeatedly calling and messaging the woman beginning on September 29, 2026. According to a probable cause affidavit cited by PEOPLE, the woman reported the alleged harassment to the Paragould Police Department on September 30. She told officers that the messages had escalated into threats against her life, prompting investigators to intervene.

Despite allegedly being warned to stop contacting the woman, Watson continued sending messages, according to the affidavit. Some of the texts reportedly contained explicit threats, including statements that he would not leave her alone until she was dead and that he intended to confront her the following morning. The messages prompted further police action as investigators worked to assess the situation and gather evidence.

The case took a remarkable turn on October 1, when detectives were conducting a recorded follow-up interview with the woman. During the interview, Watson allegedly called her phone. Investigators placed the call on speakerphone, allowing them to hear the conversation. According to the affidavit, Watson allegedly admitted during the exchange that he had made threats against the woman and her family. That interaction became a significant development in the investigation.

Watson was booked into the Greene County Detention Center on October 17. He faces charges of first-degree terroristic threatening and harassing communications. His bond was set at $150,000, and court-related reports indicate that if he is released, he must wear an ankle monitor and have no contact with the woman. The charges remain allegations, and the case must proceed through the legal system before guilt can be determined.

The incident highlights how investigators can sometimes obtain crucial evidence through unexpected circumstances. What began as a report of repeated unwanted contact reportedly developed into a recorded interaction in which detectives could directly hear the accused man’s statements. As the case moves forward, the evidence gathered during the investigation may play an important role in determining the outcome.

Source: PEOPLE