GhLinks Media
A night meant for celebration turned into a heartbreaking event in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas.
Early on Sunday morning, April 21st, a teenage boy was shot and killed following his high school prom.
Eighteen-year-old Lorenzo Harrison III, a senior at Central High School, lost his life shortly before 1:00 am outside an after-party. The off-campus gathering was attended by other students from the school.
Police have identified a suspect, Donterious Stephens, 19, who is a former student of Central High School.
It isn’t yet clear why Stephens allegedly shot Harrison, Arkansas State Police said Stephens was a graduate of the high school.
After the shooting, the Arkansas State Police’s Criminal Investigation Division announced they were looking for a ‘Helena man’ who killed ‘a teenager outside a party ‘following Helena-West Helena’s Central High School (CHS) prom.’
The press release stated that the agents had identified a suspect:
‘Agents have identified a suspect, Donterious Stephens, 19, of Helena, a previous graduate, who will be charged with First Degree Murder and Possession of Firearms by Certain Persons in the death of Lorenzo Harrison III, 18, a CHS senior.’
Later that same day, the authorities announced that Stephens was in the custody of the Phillips County Sherriff’s Office. He is presently being held at the Phillips County jail, where he’s been charged with first-degree murder and possession of firearms.
According to the initial press release, Harrison will be ‘transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab, where an autopsy will determine cause and manner of death.’
Helena-West Helena’s Central School District posted a statement on Facebook, which said their hearts were aching for ‘the tragic loss of our beloved 12th-grade student at Central High School.’
The district extended their ‘deepest sympathies extend to his grieving family, classmates, friends, and [their] entire school community impacted by this senseless act of violence.’
The statement continued: ‘As we come together to mourn this heartbreaking loss, let us fortify our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and staff. In times of such profound grief, it is essential that we offer not only our empathy but also tangible support.’
The school district went on to inform students the ‘crisis team’ would be available at the high school the next morning ‘to provide immediate counseling services for all who need it.’
‘During this time of immense sorrow, let us lean on one another for strength and solace. Together, may we honor his memory and work towards healing the wounds inflicted by this tragedy.’
