The evening of April 13, 2025, began like any other for Tatayana Penister, a young woman seeking a moment of joy at 5th Avenue Park in Conway, Arkansas. Laughter and chatter filled the air as families and friends gathered in the community space, unaware of the tragedy about to unfold. By the end of the night, Tatayana’s life was cut short, one of two victims killed in a mass shooting that left the tight-knit city reeling. Nine others were wounded, their lives forever altered, though they remain in stable condition at area hospitals. The incident has cast a shadow over Conway, prompting grief, questions, and a renewed urgency to address the scourge of gun violence.
Tatayana Penister was not just a name in the headlines; she was a vibrant presence in her community, known for her warmth and kindness. Friends described her as someone who could light up any gathering, her laughter a constant at park outings and local events. On that Sunday evening, she was among dozens at 5th Avenue Park, a popular spot where residents often come together for picnics, sports, and shared moments. The park, nestled in the heart of Conway, had always been a place of connection, not calamity. But as dusk settled, gunfire shattered the calm, sending parkgoers scrambling for safety.
The Conway Police Department responded swiftly to reports of shots fired around 7:30 p.m. Officers arrived to a chaotic scene: people running in panic, some screaming for loved ones, others lying wounded on the grass. Tatayana and another individual, whose identity has not yet been released pending family notification, were found with fatal injuries. Despite efforts by first responders, both were pronounced dead at the scene. Nine others sustained gunshot wounds, ranging from minor to severe, but all were reported stable by Monday morning, a small mercy amid the devastation.
Investigators have yet to release a motive or identify a suspect, leaving the community grappling with uncertainty. The police have cordoned off the park, now a sprawling crime scene, as they comb through evidence and interview witnesses. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that even the smallest detail could prove critical. The Criminal Investigation Division has set up a dedicated line for tips, and officers are working around the clock to piece together the events that led to the tragedy.
Conway, a city of about 60,000 located 30 miles north of Little Rock, is no stranger to community spirit, its residents quick to rally in times of need. But this shooting has struck a deep chord, exposing the vulnerability of even the most cherished public spaces. Mayor Bart Castleberry addressed the city in a somber statement, calling for unity and resilience. “Our hearts are broken for the families of those we’ve lost and for those fighting to recover,” he said. “We will not let this define us, but it will change us.” Local churches and organizations have opened their doors for vigils and counseling, offering solace to a grieving community.
The wounded, though stable, face long roads to recovery. Hospitals in Conway and nearby Little Rock have been inundated with support from residents donating blood and bringing meals to families keeping vigil. Stories of heroism have emerged—bystanders who shielded strangers, a teenager who called 911 while hiding behind a tree. These acts of courage stand in stark contrast to the senseless violence that claimed two lives and endangered so many others.
As the investigation continues, questions linger about how such a tragedy could occur in a place meant for joy. For Tatayana Penister’s family and friends, the loss is immeasurable, a void that no answersმისი მარტვილი, a beloved daughter, sister, and friend, taken far too soon. The community mourns not only her but the second victim, whose story is yet to be fully told. The shooting at 5th Avenue Park has left Conway searching for answers, determined to heal, and resolute in honoring the memory of those lost.