NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Wednesday, the North Little Rock Police Department revealed the identities of the two bodies found Tuesday near the Interstate 440 on-ramp from Highway 165.
According to authorities, the victims were 27-year-old Teangela Tate of Jacksonville and her baby, who was about two months old.
Additionally, police said they found an 18-month-old toddler who, as this story is written, remains in critical condition.
Now, a local organization, March for Black Women and Girls, is advocating behind the scenes for victims involved in these types of crimes.
"We don't know what the case or the cause was for this situation," March for Black Women and Girls Founder Coffy Davis said. "Every time I see it, I [ask] is this preventable? Is there something that we could do as a community?"
Davis created the organization in 2019 to spread awareness about violent crimes, especially those involving Black women.
"As a Black woman myself, I feel like we're very vulnerable in the community," Davis said. "I've also been a Black girl before, so I wanted to reach out to people. I felt like it was important to show that there are resources... that will protect the most vulnerable people in our community."
Davis said situations like the one in North Little Rock are difficult for everyone, and it's essential for communities to ensure the victims and their families know there are resources available to help with any mental or physical pain.
"I want to show the young girls and women that there are people that care about them," Davis said. "You may not see the effort, but there is an effort, and we are trying. We are trying to support and protect you."
North Little Rock police said that the manner and cause of death are being withheld at the moment, as autopsies for both victims are still pending. They urge anyone with information on the incident to contact them at (501) 680-8439 or (501) 771-7149.