LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Brittany Overton and her mother, Atonia Overton, faced a reality that no family should have when it comes to learning of the death of their loved one, 28-year-old Robert Overton.
"If they put their stuff in our shoes and our standpoint and point of view, when you lose somebody, everybody wants to be notified right then and there," Brittany Overton said.
According to the Little Rock Police Department, Robert Overton was the victim of a shooting on Nov. 20 at the intersection of Geyer Springs and Baseline Road.
However, the Overton family said they were never notified of Robert Overton's death.
"When he didn't show up for Thanksgiving, I knew something was definitely wrong," Brittany Overton said. "It was just completely wrong."
The family filed a missing persons report on what would've been Robert Overton's 29th birthday, finding out days later through social media he was the one involved in the shooting.
"People started messaging him, and they said he left Rallies after he ate and went to a convenience store across the street," Brittany Overton said. "Then they saw him get murdered."
Brittany Overton, Robert Overton's youngest sister, said police did not inform them until a week later. We contacted LRPD, who said they took the proper procedures of waiting until the Arkansas Crime Lab officially identified the body.
According to Little Rock police, they didn't want to inform a family if they were not 100% sure.
We also contacted the crime lab, asked how long it usually takes to identify a body and learned that it differs with each case.
The Overton family said they understand police protocols but still wish the situation had been handled better.
"A family shouldn't have to worry and seek help, and that's what we do," Brittany Overton said. "We had to seek help and answers when the answers were already solved a week ago."
To move forward, the Overton family said they want to focus on the legacy Robert Overton left behind.
"My brother is very goofy, loving, calm, reserved, and respectful," Brittany Overton said. "It's just hurtful. I don't understand it."