On the evening of May 4, 2020, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, a fatal shooting occurred that claimed the life of 38-year-old Elvis Kendal. Kendal, a Black male, was discovered inside a vehicle at the intersection of 33rd Avenue and Hazel Street around 6:00 p.m., suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds. He was quickly transported to Jefferson Regional Medical Center for emergency surgery but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
This tragic event marked the 10th homicide in the city of Pine Bluff for that year.
The investigation into Kendal's death swiftly led authorities to a suspect. Surveillance footage from a gas station nearby captured Kendal leaving the premises, followed by a black Jeep Patriot. A woman, later identified as 39-year-old Leashebia Davis, was seen hanging out of the passenger window of the Jeep, seemingly firing a gun. Within two days, Davis was located in a vehicle with another woman. A search of a bag in the vehicle uncovered a Ruger. 380-caliber handgun. Forensic analysis by the State Crime Laboratory later confirmed that this was the weapon used in the shooting; shell casings found at the scene and three bullets recovered from Kendal's body were all fired from this handgun. A witness also came forward, stating they had loaned the firearm to Davis.
Leashebia Davis was arrested and initially charged with first-degree murder, a charge that was later upgraded to capital murder. The case went to trial, and on May 17, 2023, a Jefferson County jury found her guilty. As a result of the conviction, Davis was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. She later appealed her conviction, arguing there was insufficient evidence to prove she was the shooter. However, the Arkansas Supreme Court disagreed and, on April 11, 2024, affirmed her capital murder conviction and life sentence. Davis is currently serving her sentence at the McPherson Unit in Newport.
