Second Benton Teen, Marcus Ellison Denell Jr., Arrested in Brutal Circle K Parking Lot Assault on Noah Epperson; Cooper Camferdam Previously Charged [VIDEO]

Authorities have arrested a second Benton teen in connection with the viral parking lot assault on Noah Epperson that left the 20-year-old hospitalized with severe injuries. Marcus Ellison Denell Jr., 18, was taken into custody after police linked him to the attack, which also led to the earlier arrest of fellow Benton resident Cooper Riley Camferdam, 18.

The incident occurred just before midnight on January 17, 2026, at the Circle K gas station on Malvern Avenue in Hot Springs. Officers found Epperson unconscious with a fractured skull, a ruptured eardrum, and brain bleeding. Investigators say the confrontation stemmed from an earlier party dispute, escalating when both groups converged at the gas station. Video footage circulating online captured multiple assailants punching and kicking the victim.

 

Camferdam was arrested on January 19 and charged with first-degree battery, a Class Y felony carrying a potential sentence of 10 to 40 years or life in prison, after tips from the public and viral videos identified him stomping on Epperson’s head. Denell was subsequently identified as another participant in the group assault based on the same footage and witness accounts.

Epperson remains in intensive care. Hot Springs police continue to investigate potential charges against bystanders who recorded the attack instead of intervening and are urging anyone with information to call 501-321-6789.

A GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $7,000 to support Epperson’s recovery. Authorities say additional arrests are expected in the coming days as other individuals involved are identified.