On a Saturday night in Little Rock, Arkansas, gunfire shattered the evening calm at a gas station on Colonel Glenn Road, leaving a community shaken and a family grieving. It was February 17, 2024, when 43-year-old Roy Jenkins, a male resident of Little Rock, was fatally wounded in a shooting that also injured another man, 38-year-old Lamarcus Thomas.
The incident unfolded around 9:11 p.m., prompting a swift response from local law enforcement.
Upon their arrival at the chaotic scene, officers discovered both Jenkins and Thomas suffering from gunshot wounds. The two men were immediately transported to a nearby hospital for emergency medical attention. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Roy Jenkins succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. Lamarcus Thomas, however, was reported to be in stable condition, becoming a key witness in the ensuing investigation into the violent encounter.
The Little Rock Police Department quickly launched a homicide investigation, and their efforts led to a significant breakthrough in the case. A suspect was identified, and 45-year-old Courtney Blackwell was taken into custody in connection with the deadly shooting. Blackwell was subsequently charged with second-degree murder for his alleged role in the death of Roy Jenkins. The motive for the shooting and the circumstances that led to the altercation have not been publicly detailed, but the arrest marked a critical step towards seeking justice for Jenkins and his loved ones. The investigation is ongoing.