A 7-year-old boy, Everett Deaver, was fatally shot on July 7, 2026, inside a home in northern Pulaski County near Jacksonville, Arkansas. Deputies responded around 6:06 p.m. to the 24000 block of Highway 107 and found Everett with a gunshot wound; his mother said the bullet struck his stomach. He was taken to a local hospital and died of his injuries.

Investigators say the shooting occurred after another child in the home gained access to a loaded revolver and accidentally discharged it. Authorities allege the firearm had been left unattended and reachable by children; three children were reportedly endangered. Everett’s father, 31-year-old Michael Deaver, was arrested and charged with one count of manslaughter and three counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor. Prosecutors allege he recklessly caused Everett’s death by leaving the loaded gun where children could reach it. Michael Deaver pleaded not guilty and was released on bond while the case remained pending.

Everett attended Bayou Meto Elementary School and was remembered by family as an energetic little firecracker who loved exploring, climbing fences and bringing stray cats home. Did anyone in the Jacksonville area see or hear anything that evening or have information about how the firearm was stored?