Human Remains Identified

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Hot Spring County Sheriff's Office is releasing information regarding an ongoing death investigation following the discovery of human remains in the Oak Grove area of Hot Spring County on March 6, 2026.

Deputies, investigators, and the coroner responded to the scene to secure, document, and process the area. As the investigation progressed, a subsequent search was conducted with the assistance of 3RK9 and Conway County Search and Rescue, utilizing human remains detection dogs. That search resulted in the recovery of additional remains.

The Arkansas State Crime Lab has positively identified the remains as Michael Blane Cockman, who had previously been reported missing in 2021.

Out of respect and compassion for the families of other missing persons in Hot Spring County, those families were notified prior to this release that the remains had been identified and were not their loved ones.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. No further information is being released at this time.

The Hot Spring County Sheriff's Office expresses its appreciation to 3RK9 and Conway County Search and Rescue for their assistance during the follow-up search. We also extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of Michael Cockman.

Sheriff Richard Tolleson
Hot Spring County Sheriff's Office