In the early hours of a Sunday morning in Little Rock, Arkansas, the lives of two families were irrevocably shattered. On December 3, 2023, 14-year-old Naqualo Smith, a Black male, was found shot to death alongside his 13-year-old cousin, Donta Gurley. The grim discovery was made by Little Rock Police officers who were responding to a call of shots fired just after midnight in the 1600 block of West 22nd Street.
Both young men were pronounced dead at the scene from apparent gunshot wounds.
Family members recall Naqualo as a happy young man with an infectious smile who loved football and his family. His mother, Lashana Smith, described the agonizing moments of learning of her son's death after he and his cousin had snuck out of the house, something she says was out of character for him. The family's grief was compounded by the fact that a Christmas gift Naqualo had asked for arrived on the same day they received the devastating news.
The investigation into the double homicide is ongoing, but as of late October 2024, no arrests had been made. Naqualo's mother believes the boys were in the wrong place at the wrong time. She shared a heartbreaking narrative that she believes transpired that night, stating that her son's cousin was murdered in front of him, and then Naqualo was chased down and killed. The lack of closure has been an immense burden on the families, who continue to plead for anyone with information to come forward.
In the wake of this tragedy, community members have joined the family in calling for an end to gun violence. The case remains an active investigation with the Little Rock Police Department, who have urged the public to contact their Major Crimes Division with any information. The families of Naqualo Smith and Donta Gurley hold onto hope for justice, seeking answers and closure for the violent end to two young lives.
