In the spring of 2016, a single act of violence tragically ended the life of Vanessa Thomas, a 30-year-old female from Newport, Arkansas. On April 15th, Thomas was a passenger in a vehicle driving in the Hout Circle area of the city. In a sudden burst of gunfire, the car was struck multiple times. At least one of the bullets found its mark, fatally wounding Thomas.
The investigation into her death moved swiftly.
Within days, on April 19, law enforcement from the Arkansas State Police and the Batesville Police Department took a suspect into custody. The individual arrested was 18-year-old Andwelle Sieed Ellis, also a resident of Newport.
Following his arrest, Ellis faced serious charges in connection with the shooting. He was officially charged with first-degree murder for his alleged role in the death of Vanessa Thomas. In addition to the murder charge, he was also charged with 30 counts of committing a terroristic act, reflecting the dangerous and indiscriminate nature of the shooting that claimed a life and endangered others.
