In the evening hours of April 18, 2023, the life of Derek Lamont Wilborn, a 47-year-old Black male, was tragically cut short in Little Rock, Arkansas. Just before 8 p.m., officers from the Little Rock Police Department were dispatched to the 9600 block of West 36th Street following reports of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they discovered Mr. Wilborn suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds.
Emergency medical services were promptly on the scene and transported him to a local hospital for treatment. Despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
The incident immediately launched a homicide investigation, with detectives and the Crime Scene Search Unit responding to the location. Investigators began the process of collecting evidence, canvassing the neighborhood for any potential witnesses, and searching for video surveillance that might shed light on the events that transpired. Following his death at the hospital, the Pulaski County Coroner arranged for Mr. Wilborn's body to be taken to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an autopsy to officially determine the cause of death.
In connection with the fatal shooting, authorities made two arrests. The suspects were identified as 15-year-old Ameija Hudson and 14-year-old Arlene Hudson. Both teenagers were charged with capital murder. In their court appearance in Little Rock District Court, both entered pleas of not guilty. They were subsequently ordered to be held without bail. To protect further details about the suspects, a judge sealed the case. At the time of the incident, it was noted that Derek Wilborn was serving six years of supervised probation after a plea deal on a charge of second-degree sexual assault.
