The quiet of a Sunday evening in Conway, Arkansas, was shattered by a hail of gunfire that left a community grieving and searching for answers. At 5th Avenue Park, a place known for its playgrounds and family-friendly atmosphere, a gathering meant for celebration turned deadly. Two young lives were lost—24-year-old Tatayana Penister from England, Arkansas, and 23-year-old Demetrius Feemster from Little Rock—while nine others were wounded in a chaotic outburst of violence. The tragedy unfolded during a large party organized by out-of-town promoters, an event that drew hundreds to the park but ended in heartbreak.
On Tuesday, Conway Police Chief Chris Harris stood before the community to share what investigators have uncovered. The shooting, which erupted around dusk on April 13, 2025, involved multiple gunmen who unleashed more than 100 rounds from at least six firearms, ranging from handguns to automatic rifles. The sheer volume of gunfire painted a picture of pandemonium, with parkgoers scrambling for safety as bullets tore through the crowd. Among the nine injured, one remains in serious condition, fighting to recover, while the others sustained injuries that, thankfully, are not expected to claim more lives. The loss of Penister and Feemster, however, has left families and friends grappling with an irreplaceable void.
The event at the heart of the tragedy was advertised on social media as a social gathering, with some attendees under the impression it was tied to the University of Central Arkansas. The university, located just miles from the park, quickly clarified that it had no role in organizing or endorsing the event. The misconception likely stemmed from promotional materials that falsely used the university’s logo, misleading some into believing it was a college-sanctioned party. Adding to the concerns, Chief Harris revealed that the organizers failed to secure an event permit from the City of Conway, raising questions about oversight and planning for such a large gathering.
Investigators are piecing together the moments leading up to the shooting. Videos circulating online capture the panic as gunfire erupted, with attendees fleeing in all directions. Witnesses described a group of men, some wearing ski masks, brandishing weapons before opening fire indiscriminately. The motive remains unclear, and no arrests have been made as of Tuesday. The Conway Police Department, working alongside the Arkansas State Police and the University of Central Arkansas Police, is combing through evidence, including witness accounts and footage from the scene, to identify those responsible.
The park, a 10-acre community hub with basketball courts, a splash pad, and open spaces for families, now carries the weight of this tragedy. Residents like Brandi Sharp, who spoke of the fear lingering in the community, and Sharon Bothwell, who lives near the park, expressed a shared sense of unease. Conway, a city of about 70,000 located 27 miles north of Little Rock, is no stranger to the rhythms of small-town life, making the violence all the more jarring. The incident has sparked conversations about public safety and the challenges of managing large, unsanctioned gatherings.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, offering anonymity for those who wish to share tips. A dedicated line to the Criminal Investigation Division has been established, and authorities are hopeful that community cooperation will lead to answers. As the investigation presses on, Conway mourns, holding tight to memories of Tatayana Penister and Demetrius Feemster, whose lives were cut short in a moment of senseless violence. The path to healing will be long, but the resolve to seek justice burns strong in this shaken community.