In the quiet community of McAlmont in North Little Rock, Arkansas, the life of 84-year-old Altha Lee Reed, a Black/African American female, came to a tragic end on May 15, 2024. On that Wednesday morning, Pulaski County deputies were dispatched to a residence at 101 E. 47th Street after receiving a report of gunfire. Upon their arrival, they discovered Altha Reed inside the home, suffering from a gunshot wound.
Despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
The investigation into her death quickly led to a suspect who was close to home. Authorities identified her son, 60-year-old Russell Reed of Little Rock, as the individual responsible for the fatal shooting. He was taken into custody by the deputies who had heard the sound of gunfire as they approached the house. His arrest did not proceed without incident; while in custody in an interview room, he reportedly broke a table leg, leading to an additional misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief.
Russell Reed was subsequently charged with capital murder in the death of his mother. He is currently being held in the Pulaski County jail. Following her untimely death, services were held to honor Altha Lee Reed's memory. A walk-through visitation took place on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Ruffin and Jarrett Funeral Home in Little Rock. Her funeral service was held the following day at McAlmont Church of Christ, with her interment at Rest in Peace Memorial Gardens in Hensley, Arkansas.
