Silent Witness Initiative 2024

Oct 23, 2024 | Our Blog

CONTENT WARNING: These stories contain sensitive topics related to domestic violence and homicide. Please take care of yourself and consider your emotional well-being before proceeding

The Silent Witness Initiative is a traveling memorial of life-sized, red silhouettes honoring the lives of women, men, and children who have lost their lives due to domestic violence in Arkansas. These names stand out as “Silent Witnesses” to the dangers of domestic abuse and the impact it can have on families, communities, and our state.

In 2023, 43 deaths in the state of Arkansas were attributed to domestic violence. We honor their lives by sharing their stories and remembering their names.

Click on a name below to read their story.

Stacy • Age 45 • January 16, 2023 • Little Rock, AR

Stacy was shot and killed by her estranged husband, who then turned the gun on himself. The two were in the process of divorcing.

Stacy was described as a “bright light” and was a devoted nurse and proud mother. Helping others was second nature to Stacy, who cared for the homeless, supported women’s and children’s causes, and was quick to take in stray animals.

Leslie Jo • Age 57 • January 30, 2023 • Mountain View, AR

Affectionately called “Jo-Jo” by those closest to her, Leslie was a fun-loving and caring person who loved the outdoors. She had a deep connection to nature and animals and enjoyed working in her yard and caring for her pets and the creatures around her.  

Leslie was killed when her husband shot her after an argument.  

Alfrisco • Age 32 • February 14, 2023 • Little Rock, AR

Police responded to a 911 call from his girlfriend that Alfrisco had shot himself. Upon arrival, they found him dead and upon investigation, it was discovered that Alfrisco had been shot by his girlfriend during an argument.   

A graduate of Arkansas Baptist College, Alfrisco was a devoted son, loving father, and much-loved brother and friend.  

Kevin • Age 56 • March 1, 2023 • Hampton, AR

Kevin went by the nickname “Bee” to many. He was a dedicated husband and loved being a Pawpaw to his grandson. Kevin was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed his job with the Arkansas Department of Transportation.  

On March 1, Kevin got into an argument with his son. The son left the home, returned with a gun, and shot his father twice, killing him.  

Bailey • Age 26 • March 2, 2023 • Hot Springs, AR

Authorities discovered Bailey and a man unresponsive at her home. Witnesses described hearing arguing and then observed a male shoot a female then heard a second gunshot. It is believed that Bailey’s former partner killed her then himself.  

Bailey was a loving daughter and sister and was described as vibrant, playful, and caring by those who knew her best. She loved playing pranks, listening to music, and giving gifts to her friends and family. Her greatest love was her son, and she was excited to be a mother again to an unborn son who sadly passed with her.  

Joselyn • Age 35 • March 2, 2023 • Hot Springs, AR

Joselyn was a beloved daughter, treasured sister, and adored her three dogs. She loved her job and coworkers in the Radiology Department of National Park Hospital and was proud of graduating with academic excellence from National Park College in 2022. She was empathetic and had many passions and hobbies, including cooking and baking, shopping, and spending time in nature.  

Joselyn was discovered dead from a gunshot wound on March 2, 2023. Her husband called his daughter crying and stated that he had ‘shot Joselyn’. The daughter called the authorities who found both Joselyn and her husband deceased in their home. It is believed to be a murder/suicide.  

Unnamed Infant • 6 Weeks Old • March 2, 2023 • Conway, AR

An unnamed infant was found to be a victim of a homicide after a lengthy investigation by the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office. A 41-year-old man was charged with capital murder due to the infant dying while in his care.  

Edwina • Age 36 • March 27, 2023 • Little Rock, AR

Edwina was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, and friend with a sparkling sense of humor she liked to showcase on social media. She worked in customer service and enjoyed fashion.  

Edwina was found dead from a gunshot wound in her home in Little Rock. Her husband was arrested in Dallas for her murder. Edwina’s family members described their relationship as “rough” and described the husband as “controlling and physically abusive.” 

Vicki • Age 51 • March 29, 2023 • Centerton, AR

Vicki was known for her kind and caring personality and was said to have a smile that could light up a room. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and a beloved sister and aunt. Vicki loved being outdoors and will be remembered by friends and family for her great sense of humor and the unconditional love she showed to others.  

Vicki was discovered fatally stabbed in her home on a Friday morning. Centerton police arrested her son in connection with her murder. He was already under a no-contact order with Vicki and witnesses reported a violent argument before the stabbing occurred.  

Karla • Age 37 • April 2, 2023 • Benton, AR

Karla was a mother who fiercely loved her children and put them above all else in her life. She was known to be a true friend and was always there for the people in her life. She was described as “pure light” by those who knew her and positively impacted many. 

Karla succumbed to a fatal gunshot wound at the hospital after being found in her home. Her husband was found dead at the scene, also from a gunshot wound, leading investigators to believe that the husband shot Karla and then himself. 

Lizbeth • Age 20 • April 6, 2023 • Rogers, AR

Lizbeth was a loving mother and worked as a Kitchen Assistant at a hotel to support herself and her one-year-old son.  

Rogers Police were called to a Rogers hotel on what they thought was a medical call. When they arrived, they found Lizbeth, who worked at the hotel, dead from a gunshot wound. Later, they found a male dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a utility room. It is believed that the male who was “acquainted with” Lizbeth, shot and killed her and then turned the gun on himself. Lizbeth’s mother said, “I just want justice for her and for somebody to tell me what happened.” 

Amy • Age 39 • April 16, 2023 • Fayetteville, AR

Amy was genuine, kind, and a true friend to anyone. She was a dedicated and caring doctor who worked for NWA Pathology Associates and was a joy to work with and loved by everyone. She was a loving mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of NWA, a fierce advocate for social justice, and a loving dog mom. She loved to travel, bake, shop at and support local businesses and makers, and put together fun and unique outfits.  

Amy called 911 to report her husband had been drinking and acting aggressively toward her. When police arrived on the scene, they found Amy dead in the street in front of her house with multiple stab wounds and a knife in her neck. Her cell phone was near her hand and the 911 operator could be heard by the officer who arrived on the scene. Amy’s husband was at the scene and was arrested for murdering his wife. 

Ian • Age 18 • April 16, 2023 • Pocahontas, AR

Ian was a beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew, and friend. He enjoyed playing football. 

Ian was discovered dead in his home from gunshot wounds. Investigators found that Ian’s brother had argued with him and had pulled a gun. The brother pleaded guilty to Manslaughter and was sentenced to ten years in prison.  

Karen • Age 67 • April 23, 2023 • North Little Rock, AR

Karen was a beloved mother to her two sons.  

Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies were sent to a home in response to a shooting. Once they arrived, they found Karen had died from a gunshot wound and her husband surrendered. He was charged with First Degree Murder.  

Leigh • Age 53 • April 25, 2023 • Minturn, AR

Leigh proudly served in the U.S. Army and worked as a CNA and a housekeeper. She loved being outdoors, especially on her farm. She enjoyed reading and watching horror movies. She was a cherished sister, beloved aunt, and dear friend. 

Lawrence County deputies discovered the bodies of Leigh and her partner in a home. The authorities determined it was a murder-suicide, with no indication of any other involvement. 

Shelley • Age 46 • April 22, 2023 • Camden, AR

Shelley was a beloved daughter and sister and a devoted mother to her two children.  

Shelley was shot by her cousin over a dispute about money he owed her. Authorities found Shelley severely wounded sitting in a recliner and was rushed to a nearby hospital where she eventually succumbed to her injuries. Her cousin was arrested on multiple charges. 

Nancy • Age 68 • April 19, 2023 • Conway, AR

Nancy was a retired Realtor, having practiced in both North and South Carolina. She was an advocate for children with special needs and loved traveling and spending time at home with her family. She was a loving mother, cherished aunt, and loyal friend and consistently put others before herself.  

On June 24, 2023 – Nancy’s birthday – family members contacted police for a wellness check since they had not talked to Nancy in several weeks. They had only received text messages – attempts to call or facetime Nancy were unsuccessful. Police went to the home Nancy shared with her two sons, one of whom was disabled, and there was no answer. After the wellness check, family members received text messages and saw social media posts supposedly from Nancy claiming she had retired to Hawaii. Family and friends continued to pressure authorities to investigate and after an image sent to a friend was found to be an edited image of Hawaii from Google, police obtained a search warrant. When they searched Nancy’s home, they found her body in a freezer in the garage. Her son admitted to strangling his mother during an argument and then hiding her body, using her phone to communicate with friends and family members, and posting on her social media accounts to hide her death. Previously, Nancy had told friends that she feared her son and was worried that he might hurt her.  

Larry & Josey • Ages 84 & 80 • May 8, 2023 • Paragould, AR

Larry and Josey were married for over 50 years. Larry served in the U.S. Air Force and owned his own business until retirement. Josey worked as a hairdresser but had retired. The two loved each other and their children, siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends. They enjoyed watching western movies together.  

The bodies of Larry & Josey were found in a residence in Craighead County, Arkansas. The investigation by the County Sheriff’s Department identified Larry’s son as the suspect. He was arrested after several weeks of evading authorities.  

Samantha • Age 44 • May 15, 2023 • Jonesboro, AR

Samantha was a beloved mother, a daughter, and sister.  

Samantha was found murdered in her home with severe injuries. Later that night, her husband walked into a drug store and confessed to killing Samantha saying, “I killed her, and Satan told me to do it.” He had previously been convicted of assaulting Samantha and was charged with her murder. 

Kesha • Age 49 • May 26, 2023 • Rockport, AR

After not hearing from Kesha, a family member asked police to conduct a welfare check on her. When officers arrived at her home, they found Kesha and her husband deceased. After an investigation, it is believed that Kesha’s husband shot her and then himself. 

Kesha was a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She worked in the Cosmetology field for over thirty years and enjoyed her work. She was described as “a very great friend and a beautiful soul.” 

Caroline • Age: 6 • May 29, 2023 • Hot Springs, Arkansas

Caroline had just graduated from kindergarten and loved learning, especially reading. Caroline’s family said that she “never met a stranger” and she was known for her vivacious personality and magnetic happy energy. She loved to dance everywhere she went and danced competitively at the Dance Art Studio in Hot Springs. Caroline idolized her older sister, Anna Kate, who survives Caroline along with her mother Melissa, loving grandparents, and a large family

Caroline’s father and mother were in the middle of a separation when she was killed by her father during a visit. 

Brandon • Age 27 • May 31, 2023 • Glencoe, Arkansas

Brandon was a Navy Veteran born in Jonesboro, AR. After Brandon’s service, he enjoyed working in construction. Brandon is survived by his father, his two brothers, and his sister who describe him as the “life of the party”. He loved the outdoors and spending time fishing and swimming.

Brandon was called by his mother to assist with repairing her lawn mower, and a verbal dispute about the repairs turned violent when she retrieved a pistol and fired at Brandon, attempting to “scare him according to a police affidavit. Brandon was struck in the upper left side of his chest. Investigators determined the fatal shot was fired within 20 feet of the victim. His mother pleaded guilty to manslaughter. 

Elisha • June 15, 2023 • Age: 49 • Cabot, Arkansas

Elisha was an Army National Guard Veteran, who was very proud of her service of 6 years. She is survived by her two loving sons and family, who describe her as someone full of compassion and love. Elisha was a dedicated nurse, caring for others in her community for over 27 years.  

Cabot Police Department was called to a home on S.10th Street in Cabot because of a disturbance. When officers arrived, they found Elisha deceased with several stab wounds. Officers quickly identified the suspect as her husband and he was arrested and charged with Elisha’s death. 

Thomas, James, and Kyleigh • Ages 37, 60, & 33 • June 23, 2023 • Little Rock, Arkansas

Thomas was a Lonoke, AR native widely known as someone who would always make time to help a friend in need. Thomas was the son of James, who loved his job working at a local nursing home. James’ coworkers remember him as a staff member who was deeply dedicated to the happiness of the residents. Kyleigh had a love for art and music and was beloved by her mother, brother, sister, and nieces and nephews. She loved her job at Walmart and made friends everywhere she went.  

It is believed that a man shot his brother (Thomas), father (James), and wife (Kyleigh), set the house on fire, and then shot and killed himself. Evidence of online fundraisers suggest that the family had struggled financially prior to the murder. 

Zilamma • Age 2 Months • July 6, 2023 • Sherwood, Arkansas

Zilamma suffered severe physical abuse by her father which led to her death. Zilamma is survived by two siblings and her mother. Her father is currently awaiting trial.  

Unnamed Woman • Age 19 • July 7, 2023 • West Helena, Arkansas

Helena/West Helena Police Officers responded to a report of a stabbing. The 911 caller said that she and her daughter were stabbed by her son. When officers arrived on scene, they airlifted the mother to a hospital in Tennessee and his sister died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. The man was charged with first-degree murder and first-degree battery

Daniel • Age: 43 • July 20, 2023 • Charleston, Arkansas

Daniel was killed while visiting his daughter, who lived with her boyfriend at the time and their 18-month-old child. Daniel was intoxicated and got into a physical altercation with his daughter. The daughter, boyfriend, and child left for several hours hoping to let things cool down. Daniel was still intoxicated and aggressive when they returned, and the boyfriend shot him two times out of fear for his safety.  

Brenda • Age: 32 • July 27, 2023 • Fayetteville, AR

Brenda was a strong and involved mother of five. Friends described her as full of life, always happy, and ready to lend a helping hand to others. 

When Brenda’s family could not locate her after two days, they requested a welfare check to be done by local police. Police were led to the home of an acquaintance of Brenda’s where they discovered her body. The acquaintance is awaiting trial for her murder.  

Gerald • Age 52 • August 9, 2023 • Batesville, Arkansas

Gerald worked as a mason and took extreme pride in his work. He enjoyed fishing and riding motorcycles but his favorite thing to do was to spend time with his grandbabies. He was beloved by his mother, sons, daughters, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Gerald was stabbed outside of his home by his domestic partner. She told police that she was at their shared home to retrieve some of her personal belongings and she had brought a knife to protect herself. 

Cassandra • Age 27 • August 19, 2023 • Little Rock, AR

Cassandra was a “true community hero” who worked as a dispatcher for emergency services in Little Rock. She is remembered as a wonderful person, a dedicated employee, and a devoted mother.

Cassandra was killed by her estranged husband just eight days after she filed for divorce and emergency custody of their small child. Before filing for divorce, Cassandra reported to police that her husband had raped and assaulted her. Cassandra was shot in the head as she was headed to her car after work on August 19th. She succumbed to her injuries 4 days later. Cassanda’s family has filed for custody of her son.  

Tiana • Age 36 • September 6, 2023 • Osceola, AR

Tiana was killed when her ex-boyfriend shot her after multiple times. Tiana had attempted to secure a restraining order against him multiple times. He was found guilty of capital murder and received a life sentence without parole. 

Tiana was cherished by her 3 children, who were devastated by the loss of their mother. Their local community and extended family have stepped up to provide safety and support to them. Tiana was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend and was considered the glue that held everyone together.

Takyrra • Age 28 • September 17, 2023 • Pine Bluff, AR

Takyrra was shot and killed by an ex-boyfriend who then turned the gun on himself and took his own life.  

Takyrra had a full life. She was a mother to one son and she was enrolled in college classes to get her bachelor’s degree in software development. She had a passion for cosmetology and loved to perfect her skills with willing family and friends.  

Courtney • Age 33 • September 25, 2023 • Pine Bluff, AR

Courtney was killed by an ex-boyfriend who believed she and another person were giving police information about his past criminal actions. Her ex-boyfriend drove from Rogers, AR to confront her and ultimately shot and killed Courtney and seriously injured another individual in the home. He was arrested by Rogers Police and charged with multiple crimes.

Kendrick • Age 38 • September 29, 2023 • Texarkana, Arkansas

Kendrick was shot and killed by the teenage son of the woman he was dating.  At the time of the shooting, the teen was 15 years old.  

Kendrick leaves behind four daughters, two sons, and a multitude of friends who miss his smile and personality.  

Ashley • Age 27 • October 19th, 2023 • Helena-West Helena, AR

Ashley was shot and killed by her husband.  Ashley had filed for and received an Emergency Protective Order one month before her death after an incident where her husband strangled and repeatedly hit her with a liquor bottle in front of their daughters.  

Ashley leaves behind her beloved daughters and a whole host of friends and family who greatly miss her energy and smile.  

Emerie • Age 5 months • November 6th, 2023 • Texarkana, AR

Emerie was a precious, innocent, 5-month-old baby girl. 

Emerie’s mother Janie had been experiencing verbal abuse by her husband for a while. In the months leading up to Emerie’s death, the abuse escalated from verbal to physical abuse as well as threats with a firearm. 

On the afternoon of November 6th Janie and her husband had a disagreement about her cat. Janie could sense things were becoming unsafe and ran toward the family’s living room. Her husband grabbed his gun and shot her 3 times, once in the head, once in the back, and a final time in her side. Janie passed out after being shot. When she regained consciousness, she saw their infant daughter had been killed. The father died at the scene from what police say was an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Erica • Age 42 • November 23, 2023 • Blytheville, AR

Erica was killed by an ex-boyfriend with a long history of violence and felony gun possession. Erica’s ex showed up at her home late in the evening on Thanksgiving. Neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots. Erica was rushed to the hospital and airlifted to Memphis where she succumbed to her injuries.  

Erica left behind two sons, one daughter and a multitude of family and friends.  

Shawn • Age 50 • December 15, 2023 • Harrison, AR

Shawn was killed by his adult son, who told police officers he had experienced physical abuse from his father and witnessed his mother being abused by Shawn, his whole life. On December 15th Shawn and his son got into a physical altercation which ultimately led to his son shooting him multiple times, ending his life. 

Lucas • Age 43 • December 25, 2023 • Yellville, AR

Lucas was a single father known for his creativity, hard work, kindness and how much he loved his daughter, who was his pride and joy.

Lucas lost his life Christmas day after an altercation with his uncle which led to his uncle stabbing him in the chest.  

Frederick/Fredericka • Age 27 • December 26, 2023 • Alexander, AR

Frederick(a) was killed by their father who claimed to be aiming at someone else in the home.  

Frederick(a) loved to sing and dance, always had a smile on their face and lit up any room they entered. 

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