NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — 18-year-old Benjamin Redix was fatally shot in North Little Rock a day before his high school graduation.
The incident happened on May 18, with North Little Rock officers responding to the shooting that happened on the 5800 block of Lynch Drive around 11 p.m.
Upon arrival, officials located Redix lying in the roadway with at least one gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the tragic shooting, the White School District, where Redix was set to graduate from, released the following statement:
"The White Hall School District mourns the tragic loss of Benjamin Redix. Ben was an outstanding athlete, student, and friend. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with his family, classmates, and all who loved and knew him," the district said.
Friday night at the graduation, the school honored Redix by covering the chair he would have sat in with his cap and gown and his No. 5 jersey.
Redix's mother accepted his diploma as the crowd rose to its feet with applause, while his classmates held up five fingers, symbolizing his jersey number.
That athletic prowess was on display last Wednesday, May 10, as Redix placed first in the Boy's triple jump competition at the 2023 Arkansas Meet of Champions.
An investigation was initiated following the deadly shooting, which led authorities to identify and arrest 17-year-old Jimari Douglas for the shooting death of Redix.
Douglas was charged as an adult with one count of manslaughter and was transported to Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility where he is being held without bond.
This is an active and ongoing investigation. Further information will be released when it becomes available.