A six-year-old boy from Jacksonville, Arkansas, died on May 17, 2026, after being shot in a targeted attack on South Highway 161. A’mir Houston was inside a vehicle in the 4000 block of South Highway 161 when gunfire erupted.
Officers from the Jacksonville Police Department responded to the scene. Two adults in the car were unharmed. A’mir suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died. Police have identified 21-year-old Artavius Dontal Johnson as the suspect. Johnson remains at large.
A’mir attended Jacksonville Elementary School, where he was remembered as a joyful and affectionate child. His principal, Kenneth Miller, described him as “a burst of joy” who greeted teachers with hugs each morning and loved showing off what he had learned.
Teachers said he absorbed knowledge like a sponge and was passionate about learning and people. The Jacksonville North Pulaski School District honored A’mir during its kindergarten graduation ceremony just days after his death.
Teachers wore Spider-Man shirts in tribute to his favorite character. His mother was presented with a Spider-Man themed skateboard signed by his teachers. A memorial bench will also be donated to Jacksonville Elementary in his honor.
Community members organized a candlelight vigil at the Jacksonville Community Center, where hundreds gathered to light candles and share prayers. The NAACP and local pastors pledged support to the family, calling for justice and urging residents to speak up with information about the crime.
Police have described the shooting as targeted. No information about the relationship between A’mir’s family and the suspect has been released. Authorities have not disclosed whether the two adults in the vehicle were related to A’mir or whether they were the intended targets. The Jacksonville Police Department continues to search for Johnson and has asked anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.
A’mir’s death has sparked outrage and sorrow across Jacksonville. His school family emphasized that he will always be remembered as a light in their community. His loved ones continue to grieve the loss of a child whose life was full of promise. No funeral arrangements have been publicly announced. The family has requested privacy.
A’mir was six years old. He was a kindergartner who loved Spider-Man, hugged his teachers every morning, and was known as a burst of joy. Those are the details his loved ones are sharing as they mourn. Anyone with information about Artavius Dontal Johnson is urged to contact the Jacksonville Police Department. The investigation remains active. No further details have been released.
