In the early morning hours of Thursday, January 8, 2026, the life of 26-year-old Dashawn L. Compton of Washington, Arkansas, was tragically cut short. The community was shaken by the news of his unexpected passing in Hope, Arkansas. He was a man known for his great sense of humor and a contagious laugh, who enjoyed life in a lively and fun-loving way.
Hope Police Department officers responded to a report of shots fired at a person in the 600 block of North Cedar Street at approximately
4:30 a.m. Upon their arrival, they entered a residence and discovered Compton lying on the ground with an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene and confirmed that he was deceased. The suddenness of his death left his family, friends, and neighbors in shock.
The investigation into the shooting led authorities to a person of interest who was taken into custody. This individual was later identified as 28-year-old Jacolby C. Martin of Hope. Following the initial investigation, Martin was arrested and has been formally charged with second-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting. The case remains under investigation, and once completed, the file will be forwarded to the 8th North Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney's Office for review.
Dashawn Lamar Compton was born on November 4, 1999, in Hope, Arkansas. He was a graduate of Mineral Springs High School, Class of 2018, where he had been a proud member of the varsity football team, playing as a wide receiver and running back. He worked in construction for a company called Rimcor, a job that took him to various sites. He was a lover of the outdoors, enjoying activities like football, four-wheeler riding, fishing, and hunting, and had a special affection for his pit bull. He is remembered by his three beloved sons, Omarion Cater, Kyrie Compton, and Ja'Kobe Compton, and three girls he cherished as his own, Emma Armenta, Ella Armenta, and Kyndell Armenta, as well as his parents and a host of other family members and friends.
