In El Dorado, Arkansas, on May 2, 2023, a distressing call to the police unraveled a family tragedy. Thomas Lockett, a 63-year-old Black man, was found deceased in his family home, the victim of a homicide. The events leading to the discovery began when his own nephew, 41-year-old Lance Lockett, contacted authorities and admitted to having killed someone at the residence on West Wesson Street.
Upon their arrival, officers from the El Dorado Police Department and the Union County
Sheriff's Office were met with a volatile scene. Lance Lockett was armed with a rifle, and there were clear indications of a recent violent act. Inside the home, their grim discovery confirmed the tragic news of Thomas Lockett's death. The situation escalated rapidly when Lance Lockett, instead of surrendering, moved aggressively towards the officers and fired his weapon in their direction.
Despite repeated commands from law enforcement to drop his weapon, Lance Lockett continued to pose a direct threat by raising the rifle. In response to the imminent danger, a deputy fired his weapon, fatally wounding Lance Lockett. The investigation that followed confirmed that the deputy's use of force was in accordance with departmental policies. The community was left to mourn the loss of Thomas Lockett, a man remembered for his quiet spirit and bright smile, whose life was cut short in a violent confrontation that also ended the life of his nephew.
