In the early morning hours of May 27, 2023, the sounds of a block party on Second Street in Stamps, Arkansas, were tragically interrupted by gunfire. Jaquarious D. Easter, an 18-year-old Black male from the nearby town of Waldo, was fatally wounded in the shooting. Another teenager, a 16-year-old from East Camden, was also struck by gunfire and sustained serious injuries.
Following the burst of violence, both Easter and the younger victim were transported in separate private vehicles to the Magnolia Regional Medical Center. Despite the efforts to save him, Jaquarious D. Easter was pronounced dead at the hospital. The 16-year-old was later transferred to Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock for further treatment of injuries that were considered serious but not life-threatening.
The Stamps Police Department initially responded to the 1:24 a.m. calls reporting the gunshots. Due to the severity of the crime, the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division has taken the lead in the ongoing investigation into the homicide. Easter's body was sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory to officially determine the cause and manner of his death. As of now, authorities have not publicly identified any suspects or made any arrests in connection with the shooting. The investigation continues, and law enforcement has encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
