MALVERN, Ark. — According to Hot Spring County Sheriff Mike Cash, the body of an 18-year-old was found in a ditch in Perla, a community outside of the city of Malvern on Thursday, March 10.
The victim was identified as Daylan Ross, who was killed after being shot multiple times, Sheriff Cash said.
Sheriff Cash said it was around midnight when they got the call.
"Two guys that lived down the road from where it happened was going to waffle house and just happened to see him," said Cash.
Cash said Malvern police found Ross' car across town from where he was found.
Authorities say this incident was targeted and there is no reason to believe anybody else is in danger.
Ross, who graduated last year from Malvern High School, played football for the school and was loved by everyone. His father, who didn't want to speak on camera, said Ross had a heart of gold.
His previous coach, JD Plumlee said what stuck out to him the most was his attitude and smile.
"You know it was a really close game and I just remember when he scored he kind of jogged by me and said 'Coach, don't worry we got you,'" said Plumlee, recalling a memory of Ross on the field.
His friends, Jacobe Hort and Dante Reed, grew up with Ross and played football with him on the same team.
"Daylan was the type of guy that you'll see down the street, and if you stopped to see what he was doing, he'd brighten your whole day. He'll change your whole life after that. He was just that type of person. He was just an inspirational person all around," said Hort.
"I grew up with him. Played football since we were knee high, and he was just like my brother from another mother," said Reed.
Hot Spring County deputies are working with Malvern police to investigate the homicide. Witnesses have been questioned and Sheriff Cash said they are currently looking for a certain individual who may be a suspect.
His obituary said that his service will be held at 1 p.m. on March 19 at the high school's Baily Auditorium. A visitation will be held at Brandon's Mortuary from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 18.
We will update this article with more information as it becomes available.