On the evening of October 18, 2019, the life of 20-year-old Jamarius Jawon Reese was tragically cut short in West Helena, Arkansas. Officers were dispatched to the intersection of First and East Park Streets following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered Reese lying face down, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his back. Despite the efforts of first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Jamarius, born on October 14, 1999, in Helena, Arkansas, was a
young man with aspirations for his future. He had been working towards completing his high school education through the Phillips Community College GED Program and had expressed an interest in a career as a commercial truck driver. Known for his sense of humor that could always bring a laugh, he had a passion for dancing, playing basketball, and shopping. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family and friends.
In the days that followed the fatal shooting, the Helena-West Helena Police Department identified 25-year-old Tavoris Avance as a suspect in Reese's murder. Investigators believed Avance had fled the area, possibly heading to central Arkansas with his girlfriend. A manhunt was initiated, involving local law enforcement and the U.S. Marshals. The search for Avance concluded on November 5, 2019, when he contacted the Helena-West Helena Police Chief, James Smith, to arrange his surrender. He was taken into custody in Conway, Arkansas, and transported back to West Helena for questioning. During the interrogation, authorities gathered information from Avance that led them to believe he was the individual responsible for Jamarius Reese's death.
