In a tragic incident on February 12, 2026, 15-year-old Dakota Chavers lost his life in what was described as horseplay gone wrong. The event unfolded at a residence on Rainey Lane, where deputies from the Independence County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered Chavers unresponsive on a couch with gunshot wounds to his wrist and chest.
Emergency medical aid was administered at the scene, with deputies applying a tourniquet and performing
chest compressions until an ambulance arrived. Chavers was then transported to White River Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators at the scene noted that the wounds suggested a possible defensive injury. The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory later confirmed these initial observations through an autopsy.
The investigation into the shooting led to the arrest of 18-year-old Gauge Daniel Allen of Cave City. Initially, Allen claimed that the rifle had accidentally fallen, causing the fatal injuries. However, after being presented with evidence from the crime lab that indicated the bullet was in level flight, his account of the events changed.
During a later interview, Allen admitted to investigators that he had picked up the rifle and pointed it at Chavers while they were engaged in horseplay. According to Allen's statement, Chavers informed him that the gun was loaded. As Allen moved the weapon away, it discharged, striking and killing Chavers. Following his admission, Gauge Daniel Allen was taken into custody and charged with manslaughter. A judge set his bond at $50,000.
