In the summer of 2017, a young Black man named Damien Hardy, who was 22 years old, lost his life in Conway, Arkansas. On the evening of June 7th, a fatal incident unfolded at the College View Apartments on Bruce Street. A single gunshot wound ended Hardy's life, though not immediately. After being shot, he managed to seek help by knocking on the door of a nearby apartment. He was then rushed to a local hospital, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the shooting quickly led to a suspect. An 18-year-old named Malique Cooks was identified as the individual who fired the weapon. Cooks was taken into custody by the Conway police on the same night as the shooting. While he admitted to the shooting, he maintained that it was a tragic accident. Despite his claims, the authorities proceeded with legal action against him.
Following his arrest, Malique Cooks was booked into the Faulkner County Detention Center. He was formally charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of Damien Hardy. At the time of his initial arrest and charging, he was held without bond as the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting continued. Funeral services for Damien Hardy were held on June 17, 2017, at the Greater Pleasant Branch Baptist Church in Conway, and he was laid to rest at Robinson Cemetery.
