SEARCY, Ark. — After nearly nine months of legal battles, the case against 28-year-old James Trenton Barley has been dismissed, with prosecutors acknowledging new evidence that supports his claim of self-defense.
Barley was originally arrested on November 29, 2024, after the shooting death of his 54-year-old neighbor, Gary “Ricochet” Knight, in Rose Bud, Arkansas. At first, he faced a first-degree murder charge. That was later reduced to negligent homicide.
On August 13, 2025, the White County Circuit Court accepted a motion from prosecutors to dismiss the case entirely.
From Murder Suspect to Wrongfully Accused
Initial reports painted Barley as the aggressor. The White County Sheriff’s Office said Knight was unarmed, and multiple witnesses told investigators Barley was the only person who fired a weapon. Based on that, deputies arrested Barley, and prosecutors pushed charges forward.
But the story was not that simple. Barley had called 911 himself the night of the shooting and told police he fired only after Knight threatened to kill him and fired first. He also stayed at his property until deputies arrived.
Chris Bryant, Barley’s attorney, said that from the start the case was built on an incomplete and misleading narrative. “This was a textbook case of self-defense,” Bryant said. “Our client was attacked, and his life was threatened. He acted reasonably under the circumstances, and the decision to dismiss this case affirms what I believed from day one: he committed no crime and lawfully defended his life and the lives of his family.”
New Evidence Confirms Barley’s Story
Months of defense investigation uncovered what prosecutors eventually acknowledged: Knight was not alone, and he was not unarmed. Evidence showed that another man was with Knight that night, and that both a .30-06 rifle and a 9mm handgun were fired at Barley’s home while Knight yelled death threats.
Inside the home with Barley were his wife and their 2-year-old daughter. Investigators also found that Knight had a violent history, including a 2017 conviction for aggravated assault involving a shooting.
Bryant said, “Without [the defense team’s] effort, an innocent man might still be fighting for his freedom. Arkansas law is clear that a person is justified in using deadly physical force if they reasonably believe the other person is using, or about to use, unlawful deadly physical force. There was no duty for our client to retreat or flee because he was present in his home and was not the aggressor.”
A Cautionary Tale About Rushed Judgments
The case highlights how quickly someone defending themselves can be vilified. False witness statements and the lack of a firearm near Knight’s body initially drove the arrest. Only after private investigators pressed further did the full truth emerge.
Bryant said Barley has endured threats, public attacks on his character, and months in legal limbo. Now, he is focused on rebuilding his life and reputation. The family is also considering civil action against those who gave false statements.
“Mr. Barley did not desire for this event to happen and will be forever affected by it,” Bryant said. “He has waited patiently for the truth to come to light despite being publicly vilified based on lies and an incomplete narrative.”
The Bigger Picture
For gun owners, the Barley case underscores why “Stand Your Ground” protections matter. An armed citizen, inside his own home with his family, came under attack. Despite immediately calling 911 and telling the truth, he was arrested and charged with murder.
It took nearly a year and relentless investigation to clear his name. In the meantime, he was treated as the criminal rather than the victim.
For those who carry or keep firearms for defense, Barley’s ordeal is a reminder that even lawful self-defense can spiral into a courtroom battle. But it’s also proof that persistence, evidence, and strong legal protections can restore justice.
What it boils down to is that the cops were lazy in their “investigation”. I wonder how many other times they were lazy in other investigations?
Did they ever consider believing him? Notice how the new “extra-extended” background check never counts when it confirms credibility? Only malice.
So, who was the perp that removed the aggressor’s pistol and rifle? Who was the perp who joined forces with the aggressor to shoot up Barley’s home and threaten the lives of Barley, his wife, and his two year old toddler daughter? When will the surviving perps be arrested, sentenced, and held accountable for three aggravated assaults and attempted three attempted murders? When will the be held accountable for lying to investigating officers? Who were the responding officers whose shoddy work cost Barley (one of three REAL victims) severe stress, loss of income, fear of retaliation from perps, loss of… Read more »
Is there an article on the arrest of the 2nd suspect or the people that lied? This case is far from over.
“Evidence Emerges”??? Or evidence is unsuppressed by the prosecution?
The White County Sheriff’s Dept investigation into this matter was very 7 P’s means Piss Poor Planning Produces Piss Poor Performances!!! Therefore causing this man undo strife and stress which could have been alleviated had the Dept been diligent in their initial investigation!!! Pathetic look on White County Sheriff’s Dept!!!