On the night of May 16, 2023, in Earle, Crittenden County, Arkansas, 38-year-old Derrick Lee McKenzie was shot multiple times outside a home on Third Street Circle and left gravely wounded. Neighbors reported hearing gunfire just after 11 p.m.; deputies found Derrick with numerous gunshot wounds and first responders attempted to stabilize him. He was conscious long enough to identify the person he said had shot him before being taken to a hospital, where he died a short time later.

Investigators focused on the name Derrick provided. Warrants were obtained for 28-year-old Earle resident Quency Kegler, who was located on Railroad Street and arrested the next morning on suspicion of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Derrick’s name has appeared on memorial and fundraising pages, and the community held a vigil and set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs. If anyone knew Derrick or has information about the shooting, please come forward.