In the summer of 2024, Shina Holmes was trying to build a new life for herself, away from what her family described as years of abuse. The 39-year-old Black woman had recently left her husband and was determined to move forward. Her 19-year-old daughter, Jakiahia, recalled her mother’s fear in the weeks leading up to her death, remembering her saying, “Kiahia, I love you. Your daddy might kill me today.”
On the afternoon of July 30, 2024, that fear became a reality. Shina was in her car with Jakiahia in the parking lot of the Eagle Hill apartments in Little Rock, Arkansas, when her husband, Earnest Holmes, appeared. He fired a gun through the car window, striking Shina. Police responded to a call about the shooting at 1:59 p.m. and found Shina Holmes with apparent gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of emergency medical personnel, she died at the scene. Her daughter later said, "I feel like she died in my hands."
The investigation moved quickly.
Detectives with the Little Rock Police Department canvassed the area for witnesses and identified Shina’s 42-year-old husband, Earnest Holmes, as the suspect. He was located a short time later and taken into custody without incident. After being questioned by investigators, he was arrested and transferred to the Pulaski County Regional Jail.
Earnest Holmes was charged with capital murder, two counts of committing a terroristic act, and possession of a firearm by a certain person. He initially pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case proceeded through the justice system, concluding with his conviction for the murder of his wife. A judge sentenced Earnest Holmes to 35 years in prison for the crime.
