A 12-year-old boy, Quinshun SirKeyes Parks, was fatally shot after being struck in the hip by a bullet that pierced his abdomen during a gathering of youths on East Harding Avenue in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He was taken to Jefferson Regional Medical Center and underwent emergency surgery but died in the early morning hours of March 11, 2012. Reports from witnesses differed about whether the shooting was playful or deliberate.

A 14-year-old male acquaintance turned himself in to the Pine Bluff Police Department and was initially charged with first-degree battery and possession of a handgun by a juvenile; with Quinshun’s death, it was expected the charges would be upgraded. The handgun used in the shooting had not been recovered and the investigation was ongoing. Funeral services were held at Barraque Street Baptist Church and Quinshun was buried at Henson Cemetery.

If anyone who was at the gathering or who has information about the handgun or what happened that afternoon can help, please come forward.