John Staats

John Staats, a 15-year-old White male, was a talented and multifaceted freshman at Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock, Arkansas. His parents, Shauna and Ray Staats, described him as a “very good and sweet boy” who was smart, fun, and enjoyed making people laugh. A good student with a passion for football and sports, John was also a gifted musician who played violin with the Arkansas Symphony Youth Ensemble for years and was a member of the Little Rock Dolphins swim team. He also played the piano. John was a person of faith who was baptized in July 2019 at Pleasant Valley Church of Christ, and his family said he was gifted with natural and deep thoughts on religion.

On January 28, 2025, Little Rock police found John deceased inside a vehicle in the 8000 block of Stanton Road. An investigation determined he had died from an apparent gunshot wound.

The loss was deeply felt at his school, where John was remembered as an athlete and a musician. Steve Straessle, the Head of School at Catholic High, called him “a good kid, a good student.” The school held a prayer service attended by the entire student body to honor John’s memory and show care for his family.

Two days later, on January 30, police announced an arrest in the case. The suspect was identified as 15-year-old Jevon Butler. According to court records, Butler was charged with capital murder and aggravated robbery in connection with the incident.

As of April 2025, the case against the suspect was proceeding through the legal system.