💔🕊️ Little Rock Homicide Investigation Leads to Capital Murder Charge After Death of Tony Harper

A homicide investigation in Little Rock, Arkansas, has resulted in a capital murder charge following the death of 35-year-old Tony Harper, whose body was discovered in a wooded area hours after an earlier vehicle crash.

According to the Little Rock Police Department, officers responded to the 6500 block of Arch Street on the morning of July 12 after receiving a report from a woman who said she had located her brother. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Harper deceased with severe injuries, prompting an immediate homicide investigation.

As detectives examined the case, investigators linked the discovery to an earlier incident that occurred shortly after 1:15 a.m. the same day. Officers had previously responded to reports of a single-vehicle crash involving a 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe in the same general area.

Authorities identified the driver as 18-year-old Kadaysha Ellis, who sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

During the initial response, investigators said Ellis reported that she had been attempting to get away from Harper after an alleged confrontation. Despite searching the area following the crash, officers were unable to locate Harper at that time.

Later that morning, family members began searching for him after becoming concerned about his whereabouts. According to court documents, relatives used location information connected to a cellphone to help narrow their search, ultimately leading to the wooded area where Harper was found.

After Ellis was released from the hospital, detectives conducted a formal interview. According to the probable cause affidavit, Ellis waived her Miranda rights and provided a recorded statement describing the events that preceded the crash.

Investigators allege that an argument occurred after the pair stopped near 65th Street and Arch Street. Ellis told detectives that Harper displayed a handgun during the confrontation and that she feared for her safety. Authorities also stated that Ellis described a history of alleged abuse and manipulation.

According to investigators, Ellis later admitted that she intentionally drove the SUV toward Harper. Detectives allege the impact caused him to land on the vehicle before it eventually crashed into a ditch, leaving Harper in the nearby wooded area.

Based on the evidence collected during the investigation, authorities arrested Ellis and charged her with capital murder. Prosecutors allege that the evidence supports a finding of premeditated intent. However, those allegations remain claims by the prosecution.

Ellis is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

She made her initial court appearance on July 13, where a judge ordered that she remain in custody without bond. Court records indicate her next hearing is scheduled for September 11.

As investigators continue reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses, Tony Harper’s family is mourning the loss of a loved one while awaiting the outcome of the legal process.

Authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains active, and additional information may become available as the case proceeds through the court system. ⚖️🕊️