Community members pay respects to victims of Conway park shooting
CONWAY, Ark. – On Wednesday, many people in Faulkner County came by the 5th Avenue park in Conway, where memorials are set up to pay their respects following a deadly shooting.
Conway Police Chief Chris Harris said 11 people were shot and nine of them are recovering. However, the remaining two victims were killed; he identified them as 24-year-old Tatayana Penister from England and 23-year-old Demetrius Feemster from Little Rock.
Central Arkansas communities holding events after deadly Conway park shooting
Several witnesses that KARK 4 News spoke with say that the shooting started after an argument and a fight.
At the park, there are now crosses for the victims who were killed along with balloons, letters, and other pieces for the memorial to honor them. Tasha Williams said she didn't know the victims but felt the need to come out and pay her respects.
'I have kids this age, and for it to affect the community like it has, it's not right,' Williams said. 'As a mom, I couldn't imagine what their parents are going through.'
Police say the gathering was put on by an out-of-state promoter who didn't have a permit from the city. The mayor assured the public that they are working to make sure this type of incident doesn't happen again.
'It's not right. These two shouldn't have lost their lives for something that could have been prevented,' Williams said.
Conway police identify victims in Sunday deadly park shooting
Lakesia Smith, an advocate with Central Arkansas Parents of Murdered Children, said no one should have to shoulder this type of pain.
'Grief is nothing you will never get over, and anger is nothing you will ever get over, but you have to keep strong,' Smith said.
With no arrests yet to be made, police say they have many leads, and both women hope the families get justice soon.
'Now, these families have to bury their kids,' Smith said. 'It's Easter right around the corner, Mother's Day is coming up, and Father's Day is coming up and these are people who were just starting their lives.'
Conway community has mixed reaction after police update on Sunday shooting
Conway police are working with multiple agencies during the investigation.
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