In the late morning of June 23, 2021, a disturbance shattered the quiet of a North Little Rock, Arkansas neighborhood. Evan Thomas Bowers, a 31-year-old male, was found outside a residence on West 22nd Street suffering from a gunshot wound. The call to police came in around 10:39 a.m., reporting a disturbance involving gunfire. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Bowers, who was pronounced deceased.
Detectives from the North Little Rock Police Department immediately launched a homicide investigation. They processed the scene for evidence and began interviewing potential witnesses to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting. As part of their investigation, Bowers' body was sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an autopsy to officially determine the cause of death.
The investigation quickly led to a suspect. Later that same day, police arrested 34-year-old Robert Watts of North Little Rock. He was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of Evan Bowers. Following his arrest, Watts was held without bond at the Pulaski County Detention Center and was scheduled for an appearance in North Little Rock District Court.
Evan, who was born on April 18, 1990, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, had spent his working years as a carpenter and had a passion for woodworking. He was described as someone who loved the outdoors, particularly fishing, and cherished his family. His obituary remembered his contagious smile and his desire to make others happy, while also acknowledging his personal struggles.
