Crime
Roanoke Police Seek Suspect in Fatal Shooting of 42-year-old Lamar Burkes
The Roanoke Police Department is actively searching for a suspect in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on March 1, 2025.
At approximately 10:00 p.m., officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 700 block of 30th St NW.
Upon arrival, they discovered a male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
The victim has been identified as 42-year-old Lamar Nicolas Burkes, a Roanoke resident.
Following an investigation, police have identified the suspect as 39-year-old Quante Martice Dillard Sr., also of Roanoke.
Dillard is now wanted for First-Degree Murder.
Upon consultation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the case was presented before a grand jury on Monday, resulting in an indictment for First-Degree Murder against Dillard.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding Dillard’s whereabouts or details related to this incident to contact the Roanoke Police Department at (540) 344-8500.
The public is advised not to approach the suspect but to report any relevant information to law enforcement immediately.
CONWAY, AR — One of the victims fatally shot during Sunday’s mass shooting at Fifth Avenue Park has been identified as Tatayana Penister, according to officials.
The deadly incident, which unfolded during a gathering at the park, claimed two lives and left nine others wounded.
Witness accounts and emotional social media posts have begun to shed light on the chaos and heartbreak experienced by those at the scene.
Latashia Winzer, a bystander who said she was with Tatayana when the shooting occurred, shared a powerful and emotional plea online, recounting her desperate efforts to save Penister’s life.
“I wish y’all would’ve helped when I begged for it,” Winzer wrote. “I wish I didn’t get tired. I wish my arms didn’t go weak. She did not want to die—she didn’t deserve to die. I swear I wish I could’ve done more. Y’all dead wrong.”
Winzer said she performed CPR on Penister until she could no longer continue, expressing deep sorrow and frustration over what she perceived as a lack of immediate assistance from authorities.
“Police didn’t do anything but stand over us. I begged for help,” she said. “She held on for so long. I’m praying so hard for her mom. My heart hurts. No mother deserves to get a call like this.”
The shooting took place around Fifth Avenue Park in Conway on Sunday evening, where large crowds had gathered.
Police said multiple 911 calls were received as shots rang out, triggering a swift emergency response.
Video captured during the event shows people fleeing in panic as gunfire erupted.
As of Monday, the nine individuals injured in the shooting were reported to be in stable condition after being transported to nearby hospitals.
The identity of the second deceased victim has not yet been released.
Conway Police have not released information about potential suspects or a motive.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at 501-450-6130. Callers may speak with any available detective. If the line is not answered, officials request that a message be left, and someone will return the call.
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” the Conway Police Department stated. “We ask the public to avoid the area while our officers continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.”
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.