3 arrested in De Queen shooting that killed juvenile, injured 2 others

DE QUEEN, Ark. (KSLA) - Three people have been arrested in connection with a shooting that left one juvenile dead and two others injured Monday night (Feb. 2) in De Queen.

Tristan Mendoza, 21, and Kaytlon Huesca, 18, were charged with murder. A 17-year-old juvenile was also arrested. The shooting occurred at 224 W Vandervoort Street.

“We don’t think there is any other danger to the public. This was an isolated incident,” said Scott Simmons, De Queen police chief.

Shooting details

Chief Simmons said the shooting appeared to stem from an ongoing argument between the people involved.

“There was just some trouble between the two different parties,” Simmons said.

The initial shots were fired in the front yard of the home, and additional shots were fired from a moving car as the suspects left the house, according to Simmons.

The deceased juvenile was 16-years-old. Investigators said they expect the 17-year-old suspect to be charged as an adult.

School district response

Some of those involved were associated with De Queen Public Schools. Superintendent Jason Sanders said the district is providing support to students and faculty.

“Our focus is mainly in two areas. One is to just provide support to our students. We have seven licensed counselors in our district, and the other thing is just continue with the normal schedule to provide a safe atmosphere so students can learn,” Sanders said.

Sanders said there are no credible threats to the school.

Officials said all agencies, including the local hospital, worked together during the incident.

“We talked about the lockdown, we talked about doing drills, we had a real life drill, and I think everybody passed,” said Robert Gentry, Sevier County Sheriff.