Two people dead in separate Little Rock and North Little Rock shootings

Latasha Butler died and another person was found dead after Saturday night violence in Little Rock and North Little Rock. Police are investigating both fatal incidents while families mourn their losses. Officers have not announced arrests or named suspects in either case.

Little Rock police are investigating a body discovered behind a home in the 4200 block of West 24th Street. Gunfire erupted overnight in the area around 11:41 p.m., according to resident Mohammed Alwan.

Alwan said he and his son were preparing to sleep when shots rang out. Bullets struck windows and doors throughout the house.

“I hear shots above my head, tick, tick, tick,” Alwan said.

Alwan dropped to the floor during the shooting. He said at least three or four windows and two doors were struck by gunfire. He estimated more than 10 shots were fired.

“It’s like war,” Alwan said. Shattered glass and bullet fragments scattered across his floors. Emergency responders checked his condition at the scene.

North Little Rock police are investigating a separate shooting just north of the Arkansas River. That incident left Butler dead and her brother injured.

Deloris Marbley said relatives gathered to celebrate her son’s recent release from prison. Someone in a vehicle opened fire near the gathering, Marbley said.

“We were having a get-together for my son coming home, and everyone came to the front. Then a car came up to the yield sign and started shooting, and my daughter got shot in the chest, and my son got shot in the leg.”

Butler died at the scene from a chest wound. Her brother, Joe Butler, was transported to a hospital with a leg wound.

Marbley said she tended to her son before realizing her daughter was down. Responders attempted lifesaving measures, but Butler did not survive. Investigators kept the family away for several hours.

“My daughter was a loving mother,” Marbley said. She noted Butler had six children and three grandchildren.

Friend and sister-in-law Michelle Mathis received a call about the shooting Sunday morning. She said Joe Butler is recovering from his injuries.

Homicide detectives typically collect evidence and interview neighborhood witnesses following fatal shootings. Patrol officers secure the scene for forensic processing.

Anyone with information about the West 24th Street case should contact the Little Rock Police Department. People with information regarding Butler’s death can contact the North Little Rock Police Department.