In Texarkana, Arkansas, a young woman's life was tragically cut short in the spring of 2021. Kayla Marie Keatts, a 20-year-old Black female, was fatally shot on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. The incident unfolded shortly before noon in the 1000 block of Locust Street. When officers from the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department arrived at the scene, they discovered Kayla suffering from gunshot wounds. She was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition.
Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries later that evening.
The investigation into her death quickly led to a suspect. Jason Stewart Jr., an 18-year-old from Texarkana, was identified as the individual involved in the shooting. Stewart, who was reported to be Kayla's boyfriend, initially fled the scene on foot. However, he turned himself in to detectives later the same day. He was taken into custody and booked into the Bi-State Jail.
Initially, Jason Stewart Jr. was charged with first-degree domestic battery. But following Kayla's death, the charges against him were upgraded to the more severe offense of first-degree murder. His bail was set at $500,000. The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department continued to investigate the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting, appealing to the public for any additional information. The community mourned the loss of Kayla, who was remembered by her family and friends during a graveside service on March 27, 2021.
