On a late Friday evening, the life of 16-year-old Ayden Jerald Hendricks, a Black/African American male, was cut short in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. It was December 30, 2022, when Hendricks and a 24-year-old associate, Quartez “Dada” Burton, were implicated in an armed robbery at the Lark Place Apartments. The two allegedly demanded money and drugs from a resident of the complex. As they were attempting to leave the scene, both Hendricks and Burton were shot.
Hendricks succumbed to his injuries in the parking lot outside the apartment building, while Burton passed away after being taken to Baptist Health Medical Center-Arkadelphia.
The investigation that followed led to the arrest of 19-year-old Chase Langstaff, who lived in an upstairs apartment at the complex. Langstaff admitted to shooting both individuals, firing five shots which all made contact. Three of the shots struck Hendricks in the back as he was going down an external stairwell. Langstaff claimed he acted in self-defense, stating that he believed the two posed a threat and that Burton had pointed a gun at his head. However, prosecutors highlighted that both victims were shot in the back as they fled, and no physical evidence was found to suggest they were armed.
The case brought multiple individuals into the legal system. Besides Langstaff, who was charged with two counts of second-degree murder, several others were arrested in connection with the initial robbery. These included 18-year-old Javion Lameer Sims and two juveniles, one of whom was 17-year-old Joffrey King-Lewis Kaden. They faced charges of aggravated robbery and aggravated residential burglary. Additionally, Langstaff's mother, Laroyce Browning, was arrested and charged with hindering apprehension.
During his trial, the jury was presented with the conflicting narratives of a justified act of self-defense versus a fatal shooting of two fleeing men. Ultimately, the jury delivered a mixed verdict. Chase Langstaff was found guilty of second-degree murder for the death of Ayden Hendricks but was acquitted on the same charge for the death of Quartez Burton. For the conviction in Hendricks' death, Langstaff was sentenced to six years in prison and would be eligible for parole after serving 18 months. Ayden, a student at Arkadelphia High School, was remembered by his family and friends, with a memorial service held in his honor.
