The Little Rock Police Department arrested an 18-year-old woman after a man was found dead near the scene of a vehicle crash on Arch Street, authorities said. The case is being treated as a capital murder investigation and remains open.
What police say happened
Police responded to reports of a crash on Arch Street around 1:15 p.m. Sunday, where officers encountered the driver, identified in reports as Kadaysha Ellis. According to investigators, Ellis told officers she and a passenger had been involved in a "disturbance" that led to the collision.
She said she and another passenger were involved in a "disturbance" which led to an accident.
More than 10 hours after the crash, officers located the passenger, identified as 35-year-old Tony Harper, a North Little Rock native, deceased in a wooded area near the crash site. Investigators say their subsequent work led them to conclude Ellis was responsible for Harper's death; she was arrested and charged with capital murder.
Local impact and next steps
The incident has heightened concern about violent crime and safety along the Arch Street corridor, a neighborhood where residents and city officials will be watching for additional details as the investigation proceeds. LRPD has characterized the death as suspicious and has not released further evidence or a motive while detectives continue to collect information.
- Victim: Tony Harper, 35, North Little Rock native
- Suspect: 18-year-old Kadaysha Ellis, arrested and charged with capital murder
- Location: Arch Street near 65th Street, Little Rock
- Timing: Crash reported around 1:15 p.m.; victim located more than 10 hours later
Timeline
| Event | Reported time |
|---|---|
| Police respond to crash on Arch Street | About 1:15 p.m. Sunday |
| Driver speaks with officers | At the crash scene |
| Passenger found deceased in nearby woods | More than 10 hours later |
| Arrest and capital murder charge | Following the investigation |
Investigators have not yet released additional details about how the passenger came to be in the wooded area or a possible motive. Prosecutors will review the case for potential further charges as LRPD continues its work. Local residents and neighbors seeking information are advised to follow LRPD updates and statements from the Pulaski County prosecutor's office as they become available.
The arrest underscores ongoing challenges for law enforcement and public safety officials in Little Rock and neighboring communities. Officials have asked anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Little Rock Police Department as the investigation proceeds.
