In the early morning hours of February 5, 2023, the life of 19-year-old Tamarionna Jarrett was tragically cut short. A female from Augusta, Arkansas, she had been attending a concert held at the former Branch High School building on Clay Street in Newport. The event, advertised on social media as a 'birthday bash' featuring rap artist Fredo Bang, was filled with a large crowd when gunfire suddenly erupted around 2:30 a.m.
In the chaos that ensued, Jarrett was fatally wounded, and several other concertgoers sustained injuries.
The investigation into the deadly shooting was a collaborative effort between the Newport Police Department and the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division. Their work, which spanned more than two years, led to the identification and arrest of five individuals connected to the incident. Two men, Richard McGee and Aaron Warren, were taken into custody shortly after the shooting. The investigation ultimately concluded with all five suspects pleading guilty to a range of charges for their involvement in the violence that claimed Jarrett's life and injured others.
Following the extensive investigation, the suspects faced the consequences of their actions in court. Tashawn Landers, 24, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, attempted murder, and committing a terroristic act, receiving a sentence of 660 months in the Arkansas Division of Correction. Steven Dye, 21, also pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, attempted murder, and committing a terroristic act, and was sentenced to 300 months. Dedrick Robinson, 24, pleaded guilty to hindering apprehension and tampering with physical evidence, resulting in a 240-month sentence. The final two suspects, 31-year-old Aaron Warren III and 33-year-old Richard McGee, both pleaded guilty to committing a terroristic act and aggravated assault, each receiving 84 months of felony probation.
