In the early morning hours of July 28, 2017, the quiet of a North Little Rock, Arkansas street was broken by the discovery of a man's body. Damian O'neal Mitchell, a 36-year-old male, was found lying in the 4800 block of Ira Street with a fatal gunshot wound. Authorities responded to the scene at approximately 3:38 a.m. and pronounced him dead. The investigation into his death was immediately classified as a homicide.
Mitchell, a resident of the area and known to be a bail bondsman, left behind a son.
For years, the case remained without a public resolution, leaving a void for his family and community. Friends and family remembered him as a man with a 'heart of gold,' and an outgoing, giving, and loving personality. He was also described as a private investigator, process server, and Notary Public. His death was a loss felt by many who knew him.
In a significant development nearly seven years later, the North Little Rock Police Department announced the arrest of a suspect. On February 12, 2024, 37-year-old Marshadrick Waddy, accompanied by his attorney, surrendered to detectives. He was taken into custody without incident and charged with capital murder and aggravated robbery in connection with Mitchell's death.
However, the progression of the case took another turn. As of February 11, 2025, the charges against Waddy were no longer being pursued. Reports indicated that a necessary witness was found 'unfit in another capital murder case,' leading to this change in his legal standing. Despite this setback, law enforcement officials have indicated that they anticipate making more arrests in the ongoing investigation into the death of Damian Mitchell.
