Altha Lee Reed

Altha Lee Reed was an 84-year-old Black/African American woman known to her family as very strong, independent, and hardworking. Her life in the quiet community of McAlmont in North Little Rock, Arkansas, was brought to a tragic and violent end in the spring of 2024.

On the morning of Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Pulaski County Sheriff's deputies responded to a report of gunfire at a home on E. 47th Street. When they arrived, they discovered Ms. Reed inside, suffering from a fatal gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation immediately focused on a suspect who was close to the victim. Authorities identified Ms. Reed's son, 60-year-old Russell Reed of North Little Rock, as the person responsible for the shooting. He was arrested that same day.

Russell Reed was charged with capital murder in connection with his mother's death. He was subsequently convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison without the possibility of parole. With this sentence, the case is considered closed.