Baxter County, AR. – Ryan James Lindsey of Norfork is currently facing the death penalty for the murder of 35-year-old Cody Stradford in December 2020. He recently picked up more charges due to violent behavior while being detained in the Baxter County Detention Center.
On April 26, 31-year-old Lindsey reportedly had a rage-filled tantrum while meeting with his attorneys. Lindsey overturned the table he was sitting at, scattering papers and sending a laptop computer flying. He then allegedly started yelling and pacing, stopping only to throw a folding metal chair at a window causing the security glass to crack. Jail staff secured Lindsey in hand restraints. Lindsey was able to slip his hand through the restraints due to his ability to dislocate his thumb. He then used the cuff as a brass knuckle-type weapon. The new charges after this incident include criminal mischief, possession or use of weapons by an incarcerated person, and impairing the operations of a vital public facility.
On May 15, a team of jailers went to Lindsey’s cell to remove him so a trustee would be able to do a routine cleaning job of the cell. Leg and hand restraints were put on while he was taken outside of his cell. When the job was done, they removed the hand and leg restraints, and Lindsey immediately turned around and attacked the jailer. The jailer dropped his handcuff key, which Lindsey picked up and threatened to drop in the toilet. Several jailers stopped the situation before it could go further. The jailer who was punched was unable to finish his shift and was transported to Baxter Health where he was diagnosed with major bruising and a concussion. He was charged with a 2nd offense of criminal mischief, possession or use of weapons by an incarcerated person, and impairing the operations of a vital public facility.
On December 16, 2020, the Baxter County Sheriff’s Department received a call from a citizen in the area about a burned vehicle with a body inside. The body was identified as Cody Stradford, who had been reported as missing on December 9. Stradford was last seen at a residence with Skylar Brazil, Ryan Lindsey, Alley Beckham, and Ashley Hendricks. Upon being arrested, Lindsey admitted to being present during the time Stradford was at the residence. He said he witnessed a beating but did not partake in it. According to the probable cause affidavit, two witnesses identified Lindsey as one of the men who beat up Stradford before he was loaded in the trunk of a vehicle. They witnessed him drive away with Stradford. Lindsey is being charged with kidnapping, battery – 2nd degree, possessing firearms by certain persons, arson- real property damage, and capital murder.
