- Lorenzo Harrison, 18, was killed outside a post-prom party early Sunday morning.
- Suspect Donterious Stephens, 19, graduated from the same high school.
- Institute director urges students to “show mutual support”
A prom in Arkansas ended in tragedy when a teenager was shot and killed outside an after-party in the early hours of April 21.
Lorenzo Harrison III, 18, a senior at Helena-West Helena Central High School, was shot and killed shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday after his high school graduation party.
Donterious Stephens, 19, allegedly shot and killed Harrison outside an off-campus after-party in West Helena that other high school students were attending.
It is still unclear why Stephens allegedly shot Harrison, Arkansas State Police said Stephens graduated from high school.
Donterious Stephens (pictured), 19, allegedly murdered Lorenzo Harrison, 18, at a Helena-West Helena Central High School after-prom party. Stephens has been charged with first-degree murder and firearms possession.
After the shooting, the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division announced they were searching for a ‘Helena man’ who killed ‘a teenager outside a party’ after Helena-West Helena’s Central High School prom. (CHS)’.
The press release stated that officers had identified a suspect:
‘Officers have identified a suspect, Donterious Stephens, 19, of Helena, a former graduate, who will be charged with first-degree murder and possession of firearms by certain persons in the death of Lorenzo Harrison III, 18 years old, a senior at CHS.’
Later that same day, authorities announced that Stephens was in the custody of the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office. He is currently being held in the Phillips County Jail, where he has been charged with first-degree murder and firearms possession.
According to the initial press release, Harrison will be “transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, where an autopsy will determine the cause and manner of death.”
The Helena-West Helena Central School District posted a statement on Facebook, saying their hearts ache for “the tragic loss of our beloved 12th grade student at Central High School.”
The district expressed its “deepest condolences to his grieving family, classmates, friends and [their] The entire school community affected by this senseless act of violence.’
The statement continues: ‘As we come together to mourn this heartbreaking loss, let us strengthen our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and staff. “In times of such deep pain, it is essential that we offer not only our empathy but also tangible support.”
The school district informed students that the “crisis team” would be available at the high school the next morning “to provide immediate counseling services to anyone in need.”
‘During this time of immense pain, let us lean on each other for strength and comfort. May we together honor his memory and work to heal the wounds inflicted by this tragedy.”
The principal of Helena-West Helena Central High School (pictured), where both the victim and the alleged killer went to school, said the school would offer counseling services to anyone who needed them.
Tony Roach, principal of Central High School, shared a letter to teachers and staff at the school that said:
‘It is with great sadness that I share the news of the tragic death of one of our 12th grade students. The loss of a young life is always difficult to understand, and our thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Roach explained that the school would provide “counseling and support services” to help students and staff “cope with the loss.”
The principal asked district members to respect the privacy of the student’s family and to “refrain from speculation or sharing unconfirmed information.”
He ended by asking the community to come together in a time of loss.
‘We will continue to keep you updated as we receive more information. It is during this time that we must become a family and show support for each other.”