In the early evening of September 3, 2020, tragedy struck in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, when 20-year-old Kavon Mitchell was fatally shot. The incident unfolded on Needles Street, where police responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 5 p.m. Upon their arrival, officers discovered Mitchell in front of a residence, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital for medical attention but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
His death marked the third homicide in the city on that day alone and the 21st for the year.
Kavon, known affectionately as 'Lil. Red,' was born on February 28, 2000. He was a recent graduate of Watson Chapel High School, having completed his studies in 2019. A passionate basketball player, he began his journey with the 76ers and concluded his high school career as a Watson Chapel Wildcat. During the summer months, he was active in AAU basketball. His love for the sport was a defining aspect of his life.
In the wake of the shooting, the Pine Bluff Police Department launched an investigation that led to the identification and arrest of two suspects. Hekeryin Cain, 23 years old at the time, was taken into custody and charged with capital murder in connection with Mitchell's death. Authorities also indicated that Cain was a suspect in other unrelated incidents.
Further investigation led to the arrest of a second individual, Bryant L. Smith. Smith was apprehended in Parsons, Kansas, by U.S. Marshals and the local police department on September 26, 2020. He faced a capital murder charge for the death of Kavon Mitchell, as well as for the murder of 17-year-old Emonya Moten, who was also killed on the same day in a separate incident. Following his arrest in Kansas, Smith was held in a detention facility to await extradition back to Pine Bluff to face the charges against him.
