Pine Bluff, AR — A wave of grief and concern has swept across Pine Bluff following the tragic shooting death of 36-year-old Markee Avery, who was fatally shot Friday afternoon outside a residence on South Spruce Street. Police and community members alike are now searching for answers in the wake of yet another act of senseless violence.
According to the Pine Bluff Police Department, officers were dispatched to 1212 South Spruce Street at approximately 3:21 p.m. on July 18, 2025, after multiple reports of gunfire rang out in the area. Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered a man lying unresponsive in the front yard. That man, later identified as Markee Avery, was pronounced dead on the scene, leaving neighbors and loved ones in stunned silence.
The deadly incident has shaken the community to its core, prompting renewed calls for peace and accountability. Police have launched a full investigation into the shooting, but so far, few details have been released regarding potential suspects or motives. Detectives are actively working leads and canvassing the area for any witnesses or surveillance footage that may help piece together what led to the violence.
“We are treating this case with the utmost urgency,” officials said. “Every detail matters, and we’re calling on anyone with information to come forward — for Markee, for his family, and for the safety of our community.”
Community members with any tips are strongly encouraged to contact investigators. The Pine Bluff Police Department has made the following lines available:
Detective Office Tip Line: 870-730-2106
Detective Office Direct Line: 870-730-2090
24/7 Dispatch Center: 870-541-5300
As the investigation unfolds, loved ones of Markee Avery are left mourning a life cut tragically short. Described by those close to him as a kindhearted individual with a bright spirit, his death is not just a statistic — it’s a deeply personal loss to those who knew him best.
“Markee was more than just a name in a headline,” said one neighbor. “He was a part of this neighborhood, a human being who didn’t deserve this.”
The violence has once again underscored the need for collective action, community awareness, and open communication with law enforcement. Police continue to stress that resolving these crimes depends heavily on cooperation and solidarity within the neighborhoods they serve.
As Pine Bluff grapples with yet another tragedy, residents are left with both heartbreak and hope — heartbreak for the life lost, and hope that justice will soon be served.
Markee Avery’s memory deserves answers.
His family deserves peace.
And Pine Bluff deserves better.
