On the evening of April 30, 2020, a sense of unease settled over the Rock Creek Apartments in Conway, Arkansas, as the sound of gunfire shattered the quiet. When Conway Police Department officers arrived at the scene, they discovered 20-year-old Jason Sims, a Black / African American male, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries.
The sudden and violent end to a young life sent ripples of shock and grief through the community.
The investigation into the death of Jason Sims moved swiftly as detectives began to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting. Within just 12 hours of the incident, investigators were able to identify a potential suspect, thanks in large part to tips that came in through Facebook. This crucial information from the community pointed them in the direction of a 17-year-old male. As the investigation deepened, a second suspect, 19-year-old Ezekiel Taylor, was also identified. Detectives uncovered that the two had allegedly lured Sims to the location where the shooting ultimately occurred.
The day after the shooting, on May 1, 2020, both Ezekiel Taylor and the 17-year-old suspect were taken into custody during a traffic stop. Their apprehension brought a swift sense of resolution to the initial phase of the investigation. Both individuals were charged with capital murder in connection with the death of Jason Sims. Authorities indicated that the 17-year-old would likely be tried as an adult for his alleged role in the crime. Following their arrests, a judge ruled that neither of the suspects would be granted bond while they awaited trial.
