MARIANNA, Ark. — A tragic shooting early Sunday morning in Marianna has left one man dead and another injured, according to the Arkansas State Police (ASP). Authorities said the incident occurred around 12:44 a.m. in the parking lot of a convenience store near Alabama and Chestnut Streets, after multiple 911 calls reported gunfire in the area. Responding officers arrived within minutes and found two men suffering from gunshot wounds.
Emergency personnel provided immediate medical aid to both victims. One of them, identified as 20-year-old Ethan Martin, succumbed to his injuries while being transported for emergency treatment and was pronounced dead by the Lee County Coroner. The second victim, a 27-year-old man, was taken to Regional One Health in Memphis for further care. Officials confirmed that his injuries are not life-threatening, offering a small measure of relief amid the tragedy.
Detectives from the Arkansas State Police’s Criminal Investigation Division joined local authorities at the scene to collect evidence and interview witnesses. Police temporarily cordoned off the area around the store as part of their investigation. So far, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. Investigators are still working to determine what led to the shooting and whether the victims knew the assailant.
Authorities said Ethan Martin’s body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for an autopsy to confirm the exact cause and manner of death. This step, they noted, could provide critical forensic evidence as the case develops. Investigators have also begun reviewing security footage from nearby businesses to identify any vehicles or individuals who may have fled the scene shortly after the shooting.
The shooting has shocked the close-knit Marianna community, where violent incidents are rare. Residents described the tragedy as deeply unsettling, expressing sympathy for Martin’s family and calling for cooperation with law enforcement to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. Local leaders echoed those sentiments, urging residents to remain calm and provide any information that could aid the investigation.
Authorities emphasized that, based on current evidence, the shooting appears to have been an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public. Police patrols have been slightly increased in the area as a precaution. The Arkansas State Police and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate and have extended their condolences to the victim’s loved ones, promising a thorough and transparent investigation aimed at finding answers and ensuring accountability.
