Man Accused of Threatening to Kill Woman Calls Her During Police Interview — Detectives Put Him on Speakerphone

A man in Arkansas allegedly sent a woman a series of disturbing death threats, only to call her again while detectives were interviewing her about the messages. This time, police were listening.

Donald Watson, 32, of Paragould, was arrested on October 17, 2026, and charged with first-degree terroristic threatening and harassing communications, according to PEOPLE and court documents.

Investigators said the woman contacted the Paragould Police Department on September 30 after Watson allegedly began repeatedly calling and messaging her the previous day. She reportedly told authorities that the contact continued even after he had been warned to stop.

According to a probable cause affidavit, some of the messages allegedly threatened to kill her. One reportedly stated that he would not leave her alone until she was dead, while another described what would happen when she got out of her car the following morning.

The situation took an unexpected turn the next day. On October 1, detectives were conducting a recorded follow-up interview with the woman when Watson allegedly called her phone.

Rather than ending the call, investigators reportedly placed it on speakerphone. According to the affidavit, Watson allegedly admitted during the conversation that he had made threats against the woman and her family.

That call became a significant part of the investigation, according to the reported court documents.

Watson was later booked into the Greene County Detention Center. His bond was set at $150,000. If released, he must wear an ankle monitor and is prohibited from contacting the woman, according to reports.

The allegations have not been proven in court, and the case will proceed through the legal system.

Source: PEOPLE