Bryon Keith Blackmon

Bryon Keith Blackmon was a dreamer working to make his goals a reality, a man remembered for his kindness and stylish flair. Born on April 22, 1991, in Chico, California, Bryon, a 30-year-old male, moved with his family to Bentonville, Arkansas, in 2005. He was the middle son of Megan and a beloved brother to Anthony and Christopher. After graduating from Bentonville High School in 2010, Bryon explored different industries before finding his passion at the Academy of Professional Cosmetology. He was diligently working to become a barber, a path that perfectly suited his love for looking good and helping others do the same. Bryon’s inherent kindness shone through a program he created called “Good Trouble,” which provided free haircuts to people in need. He understood personal struggles and wanted to make life a little easier for others.

The bright light of Bryon’s life was extinguished on the night of Tuesday, April 27, 2021. Shortly after 10:00 p.m., police and emergency medical crews responded to a call about an injured man lying in the street in the 300 block of NW 5th Street in Bentonville. First responders found Bryon suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper torso. He was rushed to a local hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The quiet residential street was quickly transformed into a homicide investigation scene as detectives with the Bentonville Police Department began to piece together what had happened.

The investigation quickly led police to identify a suspect who had reportedly fled the scene before Bryon was discovered in the roadway. The suspect was identified as 22-year-old Zachary Allen Avans of the nearby city of Bella Vista. A warrant was issued for his arrest on charges of capital murder and aggravated residential burglary. A multi-state search for Avans ended when he was located and taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service in Mississippi. Following his arrest, authorities began the process of extraditing him back to Arkansas to face the charges related to Bryon Blackmon's death.

After his extradition to Benton County, Zachary Avans was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. He was held without bond as the legal process began to move forward. The case is being prosecuted by the Benton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. As of late 2022, the case was still moving through the court system, with pretrial hearings scheduled to address motions and evidence. Further details about the specific motive or the circumstances that led to the fatal encounter have not been released by law enforcement, leaving many questions unanswered for Bryon's loved ones and the community.

The unexpected and violent death of Bryon Blackmon sent a shockwave of grief through his family and circle of friends. His obituary remembered him as a man who was finding his way in life to make a difference. Friends recalled his kind spirit and his dedication to his new career path. In a tribute, one loved one wrote, "I am struggling trying to understand why? You were finding your way in life to make a difference... I am going to miss you." The community mourned the loss of a man who had created his own way to give back and whose potential was tragically cut short.

The criminal case against Zachary Allen Avans remains in litigation in Benton County Circuit Court. The investigation is still considered active as the prosecution prepares for trial. The Bentonville Police Department has not publicly released any further information about additional suspects or the evidence collected in the case. The community awaits the resolution of the legal proceedings, hoping for justice for Bryon Keith Blackmon and closure for the family and friends who continue to mourn his loss.