Two Teens Killed in Pine Bluff Shooting, Suspect Arrested

Authorities say the shooting appears to be an isolated incident as the investigation continues.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:00pm

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An extreme close-up of a spent shell casing on a dark, textured surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A recent wave of gun violence in Pine Bluff has left the community shaken and searching for solutions.Mountain Home Today

Two teenagers, 18-year-old Zykelon Ginger and 19-year-old Otis Taylor, were found shot near the scene of a car crash in Pine Bluff, Arkansas late Wednesday night. Both victims were pronounced dead at the hospital. Police arrested 19-year-old Keshawn Franklin within an hour and charged him with two counts of capital murder.

Why it matters

Gun violence involving young victims is an ongoing concern in Pine Bluff, which has struggled with high crime rates in recent years. This latest incident has shaken the community and raised questions about public safety and the factors driving youth violence in the area.

The details

According to Pine Bluff Police Department Assistant Chief Kelven Hadley, a witness at the scene was able to identify the suspect, Keshawn Franklin, who was later captured at a residence just two houses down from the crime scene and taken into custody without incident.

  • The shooting occurred late Wednesday night, April 2, 2026.
  • Keshawn Franklin was arrested within an hour of the incident.

The players

Zykelon Ginger

An 18-year-old victim who was found shot near the scene of a car crash.

Otis Taylor

A 19-year-old victim who was found shot near the scene of a car crash.

Keshawn Franklin

A 19-year-old suspect who was arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder.

Kelven Hadley

The Pine Bluff Police Department Assistant Chief who provided details about the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“There was a witness that was on scene that identified who the shooter was. That suspect was later captured within an hour at a residence just two houses down from the crime scene and taken into custody without incident. He is being charged with capital murder, two counts of capital murder.”

— Kelven Hadley, Pine Bluff Police Department Assistant Chief

What’s next

The case remains under investigation by the Pine Bluff Police Department.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting has once again highlighted the ongoing challenges Pine Bluff faces with youth violence and gun crime, underscoring the need for comprehensive community-based solutions to address the root causes and prevent such senseless loss of life.