On the evening of September 23, 2025, 29-year-old Jimmie Epperson was found fatally shot near 615 South Missouri Street in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Officers with the Pine Bluff Police Department arrived about 9:05 p.m. after reports of a shooting; the Jefferson County Deputy Coroner pronounced Epperson dead at the scene. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

The investigation was treated as a homicide. Police identified 25-year-old Thomaz Johnson as a person of interest and issued a warrant for capital murder. Johnson is described as a Black male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 160 pounds, last known at 2317 Belair Drive, and considered armed and dangerous. A reward of up to $1,500 was offered for information leading to his arrest.

On September 24, 2025, authorities arrested Johnson’s mother, Sparkle Bankston, on charges of hindering apprehension in connection with the case. Anyone with information about Johnson’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Pine Bluff Police Department.