In the small city of Dumas, Arkansas, the afternoon of May 20, 2021, was shattered by an act of violence that claimed the life of 39-year-old Floyd Evans Jr., a Black male. At approximately 4:26 p.m., the Dumas Police Department was dispatched to the 400 block of North Rankin Street following reports of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they discovered that Evans had sustained life-threatening injuries.
He was rushed to a local hospital, but tragically, he could not be saved.
A lifelong resident of Dumas, Floyd Evans Jr. was born on November 9, 1981, to Glenda Freeman and Floyd Evans Sr. He was a graduate of the Dumas School District's class of 2001 and was employed by Wire Industries in his hometown. Known to his friends and family, he was a father to his children, Austin, Fabienn, and MaKayla Evans, and a grandfather to Aaden Joseph. His death left a significant void in the lives of his loved ones, including his siblings, Jerel Evans, Taquita Edgerson-Everett, and Regina Freeman.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, officers from the Dumas Police Department apprehended a suspect. Roy Owens Jr., who was 19 years old at the time, was taken into custody in connection with the death of Floyd Evans Jr. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting was led by the Dumas Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division. The incident deeply impacted the close-knit community of Dumas, sparking conversations about the devastating effects of gun violence. Many residents came together to express their condolences and share their memories of Evans, remembering him as a cherished father, grandfather, and friend.
