Miguel Hoyt, a 27-year-old Black man who worked in truck driving, was killed on the evening of February 9, 2022, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Police were called to the 100 block of Park Place around 7:30 p.m. for reports of a shooting. When they arrived, officers discovered Miguel inside a white Dodge Challenger that was parked on the street. He had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene. His death was recorded as the fourth homicide in the city that year.
In the immediate aftermath, investigators had no information about a suspect and asked the public for assistance. As the Pine Bluff Police Department continued its work, the investigation led them to identify a person of interest.
Authorities announced they were searching for 18-year-old Herbert Pam III and secured a warrant for his arrest on charges of capital murder, terroristic act, and aggravated assault.
The search for Pam concluded on the morning of March 15, 2022, when he turned himself in to the Pine Bluff police. He was not the only person taken into custody in connection with Miguel’s death. Earlier, on March 4, police had arrested a second suspect, 22-year-old Michael Earl Hill Jr.
Both men were charged with capital murder. During a court hearing, Herbert Pam III was formally charged with 23 felony counts. The capital murder charge alleged that he caused Miguel’s death with a “premeditated and deliberate” purpose. Other charges included multiple counts of discharging a firearm from a vehicle and committing a terroristic act. Pam declared his innocence to the judge, stating, “I’m innocent. Y’all are going to see that, at the end of the day.”
A judge ordered Pam held without bond. Michael Earl Hill Jr. was also ordered held without bond on his capital murder charge. If convicted, both men could face a sentence of life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty. As of March 2022, both suspects were incarcerated and awaiting further legal proceedings.
