Little Rock man charged in 2023 Mablevale Cutoff shooting death

The Little Rock Police Department arrested 21-year-old Makell Brown on April 16 in connection with a homicide that claimed the life of another 21-year-old more than two years ago. Brown has been charged with capital murder in the death of Marquis Harper, marking a significant development in a case that had gone unsolved since October 2023. On the evening of October 23, 2023, LRPD officers responded to a shooting call at the 6500 block of Mablevale Cutoff in south Little Rock around 8 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered Harper deceased from gunshot wounds. Homicide detectives took over the investigation, working the case through the months that followed as leads developed. Brown's arrest comes after investigators identified him as the suspect responsible for Harper's death. He is now being held in the Pulaski County jail system following his arrest. The capital murder charge carries Arkansas's most serious criminal penalty, reflecting the severity of the allegations. The case illustrates the persistent work of LRPD's homicide unit in pursuing justice for families affected by violence in the community. As the investigation continues, officials say more details will be released as they become available.