- Lorenzo Harrison, 18, was killed early Sunday during a prom afterparty
- Suspect Donterious Stephens, 19, graduated from the same high school
- High school principal calls on students to ‘show support for each other’
A prom in Arkansas ended in tragedy when a teenager was shot outside an after-party in the early hours of April 21.
Lorenzo Harrison III, 18, a senior at Helena-West Helena’s Central High School, was shot and killed shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday after his high school prom.
Donterious Stephens, 19, allegedly fatally shot Harrison outside an off-campus afterparty in West Helena where other high school students were present.
It is not yet clear why Stephens allegedly shot Harrison. Arkansas State Police said Stephens had graduated from high school.
Donterious Stephens (pictured), 19, allegedly killed 18-year-old Lorenzo Harrison during a prom afterparty at Helena-West Helena’s Central High School. Stephens has been charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm
Following the shooting, the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division announced that they were looking for a “Helena man” who “murdered a teenager outside a party” after Helena-West Helena’s Central High School (CHS) prom .
The press release stated that officers had identified a suspect:
“Officers have identified a suspect, Donterious Stephens, 19, of Helena, a former college graduate, who will be charged with first-degree murder and possession of firearms by certain persons in the death of Lorenzo Harrison III, 18, a CHS senior. ‘
Later that same day, authorities announced that Stephens was in the custody of the Phillips County Sherriff’s Office. He is currently being held in the Phillips County Jail, where he is charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm.
According to the initial press release, Harrison “will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab where an autopsy will determine the cause and manner of death.”
Helena-West Helena’s Central School District posted a statement on Facebook, saying their hearts ached over “the tragic loss of our beloved 12th grade student from Central High School.”
The district extended its deepest condolences to his grieving family, classmates, friends and [their] the entire school community is affected by this senseless act of violence.”
The statement continued: “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 grief, it is essential that we offer not only our empathy, but also tangible support.”
The school district then informed students that the “crisis team” would be available at the high school the next morning “to provide immediate counseling services to anyone who needs it.”
“In this time of tremendous grief, let us lean on each other for strength and comfort. Together, may we 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 alleged killer attended school, said the school would offer counseling services to anyone in need.
Tony Roach, principal of Central High School, shared a letter to teachers and school staff stating:
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the tragic passing of one of our Year 12 students. The loss of a young life is always difficult to comprehend, 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 members in the district to respect the privacy of the student’s family and “refrain from speculating or sharing unconfirmed information.”
He ended by asking the community to come together in a time of loss.
‘We will continue to update you as we receive more information. It is at this time that we must become one family and support each other.”