Crime
One Victim Killed in Conway Mass Shooting Identified as Tatayana Penister
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.
Crime
One Shot, Another Stabbed During Morning Funeral at Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church in Hartford
HARTFORD, Conn. — A violent incident unfolded Friday morning during a funeral service at Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church, located at 2003 Main Street, leaving multiple individuals injured, according to Hartford Police Lt. Aaron Boisvert.
Police received several 911 calls reporting shots fired inside the church around 10:27 a.m.
When officers arrived, they found evidence of a disturbance involving both a shooting and a stabbing, Channel2 NOW has learned.
Initial reports indicate that a female victim who had been shot left the scene before police arrived and went to Saint Francis Hospital for treatment.
Her injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
Additionally, one or two more individuals, reportedly suffering from minor facial injuries, also self-transported to Saint Francis Hospital.
Later in the morning, around 10:45 a.m., a male victim arrived at the hospital with a stab wound to the leg, which authorities confirmed was related to the same church incident.
According to Lt. Boisvert, four shell casings were recovered inside the church, and one casing was located just outside.
Police believe the violence occurred during a funeral service in progress at the time, but the motive and details surrounding the altercation remain under investigation.
Officers and detectives have since secured the scene and are working to interview witnesses and review surveillance footage.
Authorities have not yet confirmed any arrests or released information on potential suspects.
The Hartford Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward by calling their Major Crimes Division at (860) 757-4000 or submitting anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.