On Saturday, May 27, 2023, a shooting occurred in the parking lot of the O'Reilly Auto Parts on Chestnut Street in Marianna, Arkansas. The incident happened around 11 p.m. and resulted in the death of one individual and injuries to four others.
Olanda Bender, a 37-year-old resident of Jonesboro, Arkansas, was among the victims. He was transported to Forrest City Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
His body has since been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory to determine the manner and cause of death.
The shooting also left four other people critically wounded. Tracy Ewans, 36, of Little Rock, was initially taken to Forrest City Medical Center and then airlifted to UAMS Medical Center in Little Rock, where she was listed in critical condition. Jerome Smith, 31, also from Little Rock, was airlifted to Regional One Medical Center in Memphis, with his condition unknown as of the last update. Markel Ellis, 27, of Lexa, was first taken to Helena Regional Medical Center and then airlifted to UAMS, where he remained in critical condition. Jaquasia Davis, 20, of Marianna, was airlifted to UAMS and was also in critical condition.
The Marianna Police Department has requested the assistance of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division to investigate the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and no further details on the circumstances or suspects have been released.
