BOSSIER CITY, LA – Two suspects wanted in the murder of a missing Arkansas teenager were arrested at a hotel in Bossier City, Louisiana, as part of a multi-agency homicide investigation that has gripped the region.
The Ouachita County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that 18-year-old Braden Roberson of Camden, Arkansas — reported missing on Friday, July 25, 2025 — has been found deceased in Union County.
Roberson reportedly left his home on Thursday evening to meet with his ex-girlfriend to discuss their relationship and never returned. A multi-agency investigation was quickly launched, involving the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Department, Camden Police Department, and Arkansas State Police.
Authorities say Roberson was last seen in Camden and had been involved in a fight with three individuals at Sandy Beach Park prior to his disappearance. That altercation is now believed to be linked to his death.
As the investigation unfolded, arrest warrants were issued for Bryson Vaughan, Melanie Pipkin, and Cameron Hilderbrand. On Saturday, Vaughan and Pipkin were located and arrested by Bossier City Police at a hotel in the 2500 block of E. Texas Street. Hilderbrand was arrested separately in Arkansas.
On Monday, July 28, Roberson’s body was discovered in a wooded area near Norphlet in Union County. His remains have been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for formal identification and to determine the official cause of death.
All three suspects are charged with Capital Murder, Abuse of a Corpse, and Tampering with Evidence.
The investigation involves several law enforcement agencies, including the Camden Police Department, Ouachita County Sheriff’s Department, Arkansas State Police, and the Bossier City Police Department, which made the crucial arrests in Louisiana.
Camden Police initially opened a missing person case on Friday, which quickly escalated into a homicide investigation after critical evidence came to light. The case has since been transferred to the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Department, as the incident occurred outside city limits.
The investigation remains active and ongoing through the Sheriff’s Department’s Criminal Investigation Division. Authorities have expressed gratitude to the community, volunteers, and supporting agencies for their assistance during the search and extended their deepest condolences to Roberson’s family during this difficult time.
