Covalus Ackward 2004 murder

Covalus Ackward pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and aggravated robbery for a shooting on February 20, 2004, in Pulaski County, Arkansas.

Court records show Ackward entered a negotiated guilty plea and received a 30-year prison sentence. The identity of the homicide victim is not publicly listed in available records.

After his conviction, Ackward attempted to appeal. In his filings, he claimed he was present only to buy drugs and said another person committed the shooting. The appeal did not alter his conviction or sentence.

Ackward entered the Arkansas prison system on November 18, 2004. He is currently housed at the Grimes Unit in Newport.

Correctional records show Ackward has accumulated more than 85 disciplinary violations while incarcerated, several involving violence. Since 2023, the parole board has denied parole at multiple hearings. He has an upcoming parole hearing scheduled for April 2026.