Samuel Jamal Parchman Haggins, a 27-year-old Black man, was known to some by the nickname "Sammy." Though public records do not detail his family life, profession, or passions, his passing was formally announced, and a service was held for him in the spring of 2024, a gathering for those who knew and loved him to share their memories and offer comfort. His life, which began on May 18, 1996, was cut short in his hometown of Forrest City, Arkansas, leaving a void for his family and friends.
The final day of Samuel's life was Thursday, March 21, 2024. In a tragedy that has become all too common, he was a victim of gun violence. The specific details of what transpired that day—the exact time, the location on the streets of Forrest City, and the events that led to the fatal encounter—have not been released to the public by investigators. What is known is that Samuel was shot and killed, his death marking another homicide for the small city in St.
Francis County.
The Forrest City Police Department immediately launched a homicide investigation. In the days following the shooting, authorities announced that they had identified two individuals as persons of interest in connection with Samuel's murder. They appealed to the public for assistance in locating these individuals, who were described as being at large. For weeks, the investigation continued as detectives worked to piece together the evidence and track down leads.
A significant development in the case came nearly two months later. On Sunday, May 19, 2024, one of the persons of interest, identified as 25-year-old Latravion Bell of Forrest City, surrendered to the police. His surrender brought a major break in the investigation, offering a path toward accountability in Samuel's death. Following his surrender, Bell was formally charged with first-degree murder.
Latravion Bell was taken into custody and booked into the St. Francis County Detention Center, where he is being held as he awaits legal proceedings. The arrest marked a critical step forward for the case, but it did not signify the end of the investigation. The status of the second person of interest has not been publicly updated by law enforcement, and many questions about the motive and circumstances of the crime remain unanswered.
In the wake of his death, those who cared for Samuel gathered to mourn their loss. A service was held on the afternoon of April 5, 2024, at the Miles J. Kimble Mortuary & Cremation on South Washington Street in Forrest City. It was a time for loved ones to come together and honor the memory of a young man taken from them far too soon.
As of May 2024, the case against Latravion Bell is proceeding through the Arkansas court system. The community awaits the resolution of the legal process, hoping for justice for Samuel Jamal Parchman Haggins. The investigation by the Forrest City Police Department remains active as they continue their work to bring a full resolution to the case.
