Dashawn L. Compton, 26, was shot and killed in the early morning hours of Thursday, January 8, 2026, in Hope, Arkansas. Officers responded to reports of shots fired in the 600 block of North Cedar Street at about 4:30 a.m., and found Compton inside a residence with an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.

Authorities identified a person of interest and took that person into custody. The individual, 28-year-old Jacolby C. Martin of Hope, was later arrested and formally charged with second-degree murder. The investigation is ongoing and the file will be forwarded to the 8th North Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review.

Compton was born November 4, 1999, in Hope and graduated from Mineral Springs High School in 2018, where he played varsity football as a wide receiver and running back. He worked in construction for Rimcor, enjoyed the outdoors, four-wheeler riding, fishing and hunting, and is remembered by his three sons Omarion Cater, Kyrie Compton and Ja'Kobe Compton, three girls he cherished as his own Emma Armenta, Ella Armenta and Kyndell Armenta, his parents and many others.

Did anyone in the Hope area see or hear anything near North Cedar Street around 4:30 a.m. on January 8 that could help the investigation?