In the summer of 2019, a life full of promise was tragically cut short in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Mernaiya Myers, a 19-year-old Black female, died on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, from gunshot wounds. The incident that led to her untimely death unfolded at the Simply Unique Hair Beauty Supply store in the city.
On that fateful afternoon, Mernaiya, accompanied by her 22-year-old sister Montieria and their mother, Latonya Myers, went to the beauty supply store to confront an employee regarding
an ongoing personal dispute. What began as a confrontation quickly escalated into a physical altercation. During the ensuing struggle, the employee discharged a firearm.
Both Mernaiya and her sister Montieria were struck by the gunfire. One of the sisters was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other succumbed to her injuries after being transported to a local hospital. The Hot Springs Police Department investigated the shooting, reviewing video surveillance and conducting interviews to piece together the events of that day.
Following a thorough investigation, the case file was presented to the Garland County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for review. The prosecutor's office ultimately determined that the employee's actions were a justified act of self-defense. As a result, no charges were filed against the shooter, and the case was closed, leaving a community to mourn the loss of two young sisters.
