Billy Joe Nelson was sentenced to 160 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of first-degree murder. The crimes occurred in June 2025 in Chester, Arkansas, and involved a dispute over family debts. A second man received a 20-year sentence for his role in the case.
Billy Joe Nelson, 45, entered guilty pleas in May to two counts of first-degree murder and one count of being a habitual offender. He received two consecutive 80-year terms for the deaths of Jay Collins, 66, and Donny Shipp, 70.
The shootings took place at Collins' home on Lands End Road in Chester. Crawford County Sheriff Daniel Perry said the men had argued earlier that day about a debt between their families. Nelson and Eddie Sterling later returned, leading to the fatal altercation.
Sterling, 54, pleaded guilty this week to hindering apprehension and tampering with physical evidence. He was sentenced to 20 years. Perry noted that Sterling retrieved the gun but did not fire it. Sterling told investigators he drove Nelson to the home to resolve the debt issue and positioned the car for a quick escape.
Collins died at the scene. Shipp was airlifted to a hospital but later died from his injuries. Sterling stayed in the vehicle during the shooting and heard multiple shots before Nelson returned.