Family holds balloon release for slain 17-year-old; 13-year-old suspect arrested in nearby shooting

Pulaski County deputies arrested a 13-year-old suspect in the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old that occurred near North Little Rock, the newscast reported. The victim’s family held a balloon release to remember the teenager, identified on-air as Canyon Jones, and described him as shy and generous.

Community organizer Walter Crochran of Arkansas Stop the Violence told the station the age of the suspect is particularly disturbing. “I work with youth ... that’s very disturbing when a 13 year old will get that angry where they’ll kill another teenager,” Crochran said.

The broadcast also reported that a local civilian crime-fighting group has criticized Pulaski County Prosecutor Will Jones, alleging that their "piles of evidence" have not led to prosecutions. The segment said THV 11 would air a deeper investigation at 10 p.m.

The station cited a statement from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office that the 13-year-old suspect is being held at the county juvenile detention center. No court filings, charging documents or prosecutor response were presented during the on-air segment.