Conway, Arkansas – A chaotic scene unfolded on Sunday evening at 5th Avenue Park in Conway when at least six guns were fired, unleashing more than 100 rounds during a deadly shooting that left two people dead and nine others injured. City officials gathered for a press conference to address public concerns and provide updates on the ongoing investigation into the tragic event.
The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. when police received reports of gunshots at the park. Conway Police Chief Chris Harris described the scene as chaotic, with multiple people injured as gunfire rang out. Authorities confirmed that 11 individuals were shot, with two of them, 24-year-old Tatayana Penister from England and 23-year-old Demetrius Feemster from Little Rock, succumbing to their injuries. The shooting marks a devastating moment for the community, which is now grappling with the aftermath of such violence.
“At least six different guns were used during this tragic incident, and more than 100 rounds were fired,” said Chief Harris, revealing the severity of the situation. Despite the scale of the violence, no arrests have been made, and the individuals involved in the shooting remain unidentified.
Mayor Bart Castleberry addressed the crowd, expressing his concern for the residents of Conway and offering reassurance that this was an isolated incident. Castleberry explained that the event, which was held at the park, had been planned by an outside promoter who was not from Conway. He clarified that both out-of-town visitors and local residents were present at the gathering when the shooting took place.
“This was an event organized by a promoter from outside our city, and people from outside Conway were involved,” Castleberry stated. “But I want to assure the public that something like this will never happen again in Conway.”
Though many questions remain unanswered, Chief Harris said that the police department was reviewing the situation closely. The investigation is focused on understanding how the shooting escalated, the involvement of any promoters, and whether the police department missed any opportunities to intervene before the violence broke out.
“We’re reviewing the concerns regarding the party not being shut down earlier,” Harris added. “If officers were in the area before the shooting, the investigation will determine what they did or didn’t do.”
Officials also touched on the status of any permits for the event. While no immediate information regarding a permit was available, Harris emphasized that the park is a public space, and rules regarding group gatherings can vary depending on the event. The uncertainty around the permit raises additional questions about the oversight and regulation of such events, as well as the extent to which local authorities were aware of the gathering before it turned violent.
As of now, the Conway Police Department is continuing its investigation into the shooting, with officers working to piece together the details of the incident. The loss of two lives and the injuries sustained by others have left the community in shock, and law enforcement officials are determined to bring answers to those impacted by the violence.
This tragic event comes at a time when communities across the country are facing growing concerns about gun violence and the safety of public spaces. The city of Conway, while assuring residents that such a shooting is unlikely to happen again, is now focused on preventing similar incidents in the future. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, the people of Conway are left to reflect on the importance of addressing violence in public spaces, while law enforcement works tirelessly to ensure that justice is served. The loss of two lives has forever impacted this tight-knit community, and the path forward remains uncertain, with much left to be revealed in the days and weeks ahead.
