Police in Pine Bluff are searching for 20-year-old Akyell Malik Madison following a fatal shooting that claimed the life of 29-year-old Marcus Jackson earlier this week.
Investigators with the Pine Bluff Police Department say Madison is considered armed and dangerous as the manhunt continues, urging the public not to approach him.
The shooting happened shortly before 11 p.m. Tuesday at the Food Mart convenience store on Old Warren Road, just minutes from Jackson’s home.
According to family members, Jackson had left his house to pick up snacks for his children after they had been asking for treats for several days.
What was meant to be a brief stop at a neighborhood store turned into a moment that would permanently alter the lives of his loved ones.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators shows Jackson entering the store wearing an orange jacket and approaching the counter.
Police say Madison had entered minutes earlier, carrying a purse with an AK-style pistol tucked under his arm.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed what was said between the two men before the confrontation began.
In the video, Madison is seen raising the firearm toward Jackson, according to police accounts.
Jackson reportedly attempted to defend himself and grabbed at the weapon as shots were fired.
Both men moved toward the exit during the struggle, and Jackson was struck multiple times.
He was transported for medical treatment but passed away the following night, Wednesday, from his injuries.
Police say he was hit six times during the encounter.
For Jackson’s family, the timeline unfolded in disbelief.
His wife, Brianna Jackson, told local media that their children had been asking for snacks and that he left the house to pick them up, never imagining he would not return.
“He just never came back home,” she said, describing the shock that followed.
Jackson’s mother, Shelia Curry, said she learned of the incident through another of her sons.
She described seeing him sit down with a phone in his hand, overcome with emotion, before telling her that Marcus had been shot.
The family has said they do not believe Jackson and Madison knew each other.
Jackson had reportedly been wearing a face mask because he had a cold, and relatives believe the encounter was not personal.
Brianna Jackson described her husband as a generous and community-minded man who was known for helping others.
She said he and their family regularly organized back-to-school drives and gave back to the neighborhood.
Friends echoed those sentiments, remembering Jackson as someone who was caring, humorous, and deeply devoted to his children.
The loss has been especially difficult for the family’s young children, ages two, four, and six.
Brianna said they are too young to fully understand what has happened to their father.
She added that his oldest son is struggling as he begins to process the reality of the situation.
Meanwhile, police continue to search for Madison.
Authorities have not announced a motive and have not indicated any prior connection between the suspect and the victim.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, speaking with witnesses, and following leads to determine Madison’s whereabouts.
The Pine Bluff Police Department has asked anyone with information to come forward.
Officials have emphasized that Madison should not be approached and that any sightings should be reported immediately.
As the search continues, the Food Mart store has returned to normal operations.
Customers once again enter and exit, though the memory of what occurred remains fresh in the community.
Neighbors have expressed concern and sadness, describing Jackson as a familiar face and a dedicated father.
Community members have begun gathering to offer support to the family.
Online tributes highlight Jackson’s kindness and his commitment to helping others.
For Brianna, the focus now is on caring for her children and honoring her husband’s memory.
She has spoken publicly about wanting justice while also asking for prayers and support.
Jackson’s mother has urged anyone who may know where Madison is hiding to speak up.
She said she believes someone may be helping him avoid detection.
Police have not confirmed whether they believe Madison has left the Pine Bluff area.
Authorities continue to coordinate efforts and pursue investigative leads.
Law enforcement officials say cases involving public tips often depend on community cooperation.
They encourage residents to remain vigilant and to report credible information through official channels.
In the meantime, the family is making funeral arrangements and preparing to say goodbye.
The sudden nature of the loss has left relatives grappling with unanswered questions.
They have expressed hope that an arrest will bring clarity and accountability.
Police have reiterated that the investigation remains active.
They say updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
For now, Pine Bluff waits for news.
A routine trip to a neighborhood store has become a reminder of how quickly circumstances can change.
Marcus Jackson is remembered not only as a victim of violence, but as a husband, a father, and a man who cared deeply for his community.
His family says they want him to be remembered for his generosity and the way he showed up for others.
As officers continue their search for Akyell Malik Madison, they are asking the public to help bring the case to a resolution.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Pine Bluff Police Department or submit tips through local authorities.
The investigation continues as the community mourns and hopes for answers.
