In the predawn hours of September 1, 2025, violence shattered the quiet of a North Little Rock neighborhood, leaving a family grieving and a community in search of answers. Robert Mathis, a 50-year-old man, was found suffering from at least one gunshot wound in the 300 block of East Bethany Road. The incident was reported to the North Little Rock Police Department at approximately 2:55 a.m. Emergency services arrived at the scene and transported Mathis to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
The investigation into the homicide began immediately, with detectives from the North Little Rock Police Department working to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting. Initially, details about potential suspects were not released to the public as investigators processed the scene and followed up on leads. The community was asked to come forward with any information that might assist in the case, with contact information for the police department's tip line and specific detectives being shared. The investigation continued for over a month, with law enforcement diligently pursuing justice for Mathis.
A significant breakthrough in the case came on October 14, 2025, when police identified and arrested a suspect in connection with the murder. The individual taken into custody was 14-year-old Brentian Baker. Following his arrest, Baker was charged as an adult with one count of capital murder and one count of aggravated robbery. He is currently being held without bond at the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility. While an arrest has been made, the investigation into the death of Robert Mathis remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather information about the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
