On the eve of his high school graduation, 18-year-old Benjamin Redix was killed in North Little Rock, Arkansas, on May 18, 2023. A promising male student-athlete at White Hall High School, Redix was a standout in both football and track, having recently won the state triple jump title at the Meet of Champs. His life was tragically cut short just hours before he was set to receive his diploma.
The incident occurred in the 5800 block of Lynch Drive.
North Little Rock police responded to a shooting call and discovered Redix in the roadway with at least one gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The events leading to his death began after Redix, his 17-year-old friend Jimari Douglas, and another individual were returning from a different high school's graduation ceremony. Redix was driving the vehicle.
According to Douglas's account to the police, he was in the back seat handling Redix's handgun when it accidentally discharged, striking Redix in the back. After the car came to a stop, Douglas pulled Redix from the vehicle and attempted to render aid before calling 911. He also admitted to throwing the firearm into a nearby field.
Following the incident, Jimari Douglas was taken into custody. He confessed to the accidental shooting and was subsequently charged as an adult with manslaughter. Douglas was held at the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility. The death of Benjamin Redix sent shockwaves through the White Hall community. During the graduation ceremony he was supposed to attend, his seat was left empty, adorned with his cap, gown, and flowers. In a poignant moment, his mother was presented with his diploma.
