In the early hours of December 23, 2020, in Little Rock, Arkansas, the life of 18-year-old Dorian Withers, a Black male, was tragically cut short. Just after midnight, gunshots echoed in the John Barrow neighborhood. Police were dispatched to the 3500 block of Longcoy Street following reports of a shooting. While on their way, another call came in about a car crash nearby in the 4100 block of Ludwig Street.
Inside the vehicle at the crash scene, officers found Dorian Withers suffering
from multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The incident also left two other individuals with non-life-threatening injuries.
Remembered as a compassionate and respectful young man with an infectious smile, Dorian had a promising future ahead of him. He had recently graduated from Mills University Studies High School and was eagerly preparing to start classes in the Diesel Mechanics program at Pulaski Technical College in the spring of 2021. He was also a valued employee at a Sam's Club in North Little Rock. His family described him as someone who was always willing to help others.
In the days that followed the shooting, the Little Rock Police Department identified Avron Britton as a suspect in the homicide. On December 29, 2020, Britton turned himself in to authorities. He was facing charges of capital murder for his alleged involvement in the death of Dorian Withers.
