In Blytheville, Arkansas, on June 11, 2018, a neighborhood dispute that began over a stray dog tragically escalated, leading to the death of 22-year-old Alonzo Markell Sanders, a Black/African American male. The incident unfolded on Sales Street where an argument between family members over the dog's barking quickly spiraled into violence. More than 20 gunshots were fired at the Sanders' family home, shattering windows and striking multiple people.
Alonzo Sanders was struck in the head
by the gunfire and was quickly airlifted to Regional One Hospital for medical attention. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries and passed away. The violence of that evening also claimed the life of 35-year-old Antonio Harris, who was struck by a truck as he attempted to de-escalate the volatile situation and died at the scene. Two teenagers were also wounded during the shooting and required hospitalization.
The Blytheville Police Department launched an investigation into the deadly altercation. Authorities utilized surveillance footage from the Sanders' home to help identify those involved in the shooting. In the immediate aftermath of the incident, one individual was taken into custody by law enforcement officials. The investigation continued as police worked to apprehend other potential suspects connected to the shooting. The tragedy was compounded for Alonzo's mother, who had lost her daughter to a separate act of violence just months earlier in April of the same year.
