A violent home invasion in Jonesboro ended in homicide just before Christmas. In the early morning of Wednesday, December 24, 2025, police were called to the 300 block of State Street after a neighbor reported an intruder had entered a property behind her home and shot a man. Officers found 58-year-old Michael Tatum on the ground with gunshot wounds to the left side of his abdomen and near his right shoulder. Officer Greg Trout provided on-scene care, including chest seals, and Tatum was taken to a hospital but was pronounced dead at 4:12 a.m.

Investigators described the incident as a residential burglary turned violent. Jonesboro police identified and arrested 29-year-old Mario Jashon Stafford and charged him with first-degree murder, aggravated residential burglary, and a parole violation; bond was set at $1 million. Records show Stafford faced capital murder and aggravated residential burglary allegations in 2015 that were later dropped. Police said the investigation remains active and that they have not ruled out the involvement of others.

If anyone has information about the events on State Street that night or knew Michael Tatum, please share what you know.