Little Rock, ARK – A fatal shooting on Christmas Eve morning has cast a shadow over the holiday season in North Little Rock. At approximately 6:20 a.m., police responded to the 1300 block of Maple Street, where they found a man who had been shot at least once. Despite efforts to revive him, authorities pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
The North Little Rock Police Department has not yet released the identity of the victim, as they are still in the process of notifying next of kin. The department has also not named a suspect in connection with the incident, which marks the city’s 18th homicide of the year. In comparison, there were 22 homicides in 2023 and 20 in 2022.
Community members in the area expressed deep sadness and concern, reflecting on the painful reality of violence, even during the holiday season. Abdulsalaam “Chi” Muhammad Sr., a local resident, shared his feelings about the tragedy, saying, “I’m sad. I feel very connected to the people who I don’t even know. It’s just the fact of the thing that they have suffered with, it is pretty traumatic.”
Muhammad, visibly shaken, added that emotions often take over in heated situations, leading to decisions that result in lasting consequences. “People get into arguments, disputes, disagreements all throughout the year, you know, and there is no consideration of what is right or what is wrong. Only a consideration of what you done did to me, and that’s it,” he said.
The shooting occurred just hours before families gathered for holiday celebrations. Nearby, residents were bringing in presents and visiting loved ones, mere feet away from where the tragedy unfolded.
The homicide rate in North Little Rock, though concerning, is part of a broader trend seen across the region. While the city has seen a slight increase in homicides compared to the previous years, neighboring Little Rock has reported a 41% decrease in homicides in 2024, with 37 cases reported so far compared to 63 at the same time in 2023.
Despite these differences in numbers, residents in North Little Rock remain troubled by the ongoing violence. “One is too many,” Muhammad emphasized, urging people to make thoughtful decisions, particularly in emotionally charged situations. “Don’t let human emotions dictate the decision on what you’re going to make. Always make sure that you think things out first. Then you’ll get a better outcome with yourself and people.”
As the investigation continues, the North Little Rock Police Department is asking anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the department’s tip line at 501-680-8439.