Dara M. Masterson, a 34-year-old woman from Greenwood, has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an August 2025 incident where she ran over her husband, Clayton Masterson, during an argument. The plea deal was reached in Sebastian County Circuit Court, and Masterson was sentenced to a 10-year suspended prison term.
Key Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Charges | Second-degree battery involving a vehicle and first-offense DWI. |
| Sentence | 10-year suspended sentence, one day in jail (credited for time served), fines, and $151,348 in restitution to her husband. |
| Incident Date | August 31, 2025 at a residence on White Lane in Lavaca, Arkansas. |
| Victim | Clayton Masterson, suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to Little Rock. |
| Arrest | Dara Masterson was arrested at the scene after the incident. |
| Restitution | Dara Masterson is required to pay $151,348 in restitution to her husband. |
The Incident
The incident occurred on August 31, 2025, at a residence located on White Lane in Lavaca, Arkansas. According to authorities, Dara Masterson went to the residence to speak with her husband, Clayton Masterson, and collect some of her belongings as the couple was separated at the time. During their interaction, an argument broke out, leading to a confrontation.
Masterson later admitted to police that she felt threatened during the argument and backed her vehicle into her husband, striking him with the vehicle. The incident caused severe injuries to Clayton Masterson, who had to be airlifted to Little Rock for treatment.
Plea Deal and Sentence
In a plea deal, Dara Masterson pleaded guilty to second-degree battery involving a vehicle and first-offense DWI. As part of the sentencing, she was given a 10-year suspended prison term, meaning she will not serve time unless she violates the conditions of her sentence.
She was also sentenced to one day in jail, which was credited for the time already served, and ordered to pay over $4,000 in fines. Additionally, she was ordered to pay $151,348 in restitution to her husband for the damages caused by the incident.
Law Enforcement and Investigation
Sebastian County deputies were called to the scene and reported that Dara Masterson admitted to backing her vehicle into her husband during the altercation. She was arrested at the scene and charged accordingly.
Restitution and Future Actions
In addition to the fines, Dara Masterson is required to pay a significant amount in restitution to her husband, who is still recovering from the injuries caused by the incident. The restitution amount of $151,348 is meant to compensate Clayton Masterson for medical expenses and other damages incurred as a result of the attack.
This case highlights the severity of domestic disputes and the consequences of reckless actions during emotional confrontations. While Dara Masterson will serve a suspended sentence and face financial penalties, her husband, Clayton Masterson, continues to recover from the injuries caused by the incident.
