On the late evening of November 30, 2017, the sound of gunshots pierced the night in the 300 block of North Hickory in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Responding to the reports shortly after 10 p.m., police officers discovered a man lying in the street just outside of his vehicle. The man, identified as 46-year-old John Michael Stepps, had sustained fatal gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene despite immediate medical attention.
A Black man, Stepps was a well-known figure in his community.
John Stepps was born in Pine Bluff on September 23, 1971, and was a 1988 graduate of Dollarway High School, where he had been a letterman in both track and football, contributing to the 1988 State Championship football team. He was a member of Full Counsel Church in Pine Bluff and was known for his love of fashion, especially cowboy boots, and his passion for the Dallas Cowboys. His hobbies included spending quality time with his family, fishing, and caring for his dogs.
In the wake of his death, Stepps's wife, Maxine, made public pleas for any information that could lead to the identification and apprehension of those responsible for her husband's murder. A substantial $10,000 reward was offered for information that would result in the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator or perpetrators.
Despite the efforts of the Pine Bluff Police Department and the reward offered, the case of John Michael Stepps's murder remains unsolved. As of the latest available information, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The investigation continues, and authorities still urge anyone with information regarding the shooting to come forward and contact the Detective Division of the Pine Bluff Police Department.
