Murder at the Mall on Forefront of Shopper's Minds
By: Josh Berry, KARK 4 News
Updated: March 1, 2013
Little Rock Police call it a robbery that went bad at the Park Plaza Mall.
Police say 18-year-old, Deonte Eidson was a former employee who had insight into how the business operated.
Eidson and 20-year-old, Tristan Bryant face Capital Murder and Attempted Murder charges.
25-year-old, Christian Hayes died from his injuries during that robbery. We're told 18-year-old, Jashonta Thomas remains in critical condition.
According to shoppers, this definitely was the topic of conversation inside the mall Friday (3/1) and if they didn't already know about it, Thursday night's murder had a strong impact on their day.
Nita McDonald and her husband Melvin enjoyed a bit of breakfast for dinner Friday night.
Knowing what happened just across the street though, distracted them from their food.
"There was a rumor going around the mall that somebody had got robbed there," Nita said.
The two had plans to eat in the food court at Park Plaza Mall across the street from the iHop. They found out however there was a robbery turned murder less than 24 hours before.
"When we heard the rumor the atmosphere changed for us," Nita explained. "We was a little apprehensive and felt a little uncomfortable. We were ready to finish our shopping and go."
Her husband added, "A thrill came up on me and I was ready to go."
Confirming the rumor they looked for reassurance in security detail thinking there would be more or even a police presence.
Melvin claimed, "I only saw one."
It lead them to take their business to iHop across the street.
Park Plaza Mll says it's helping Little Rock Police with the investigation in anyway it can.
LRPD says the robbery happened near the food court after closing. They claim it was an isolated incident, but it was enough to keep this couple away.
The McDonalds do plan to come back for more shopping in the future.
"No reflection on the mall," Nita added. "It was just fresh."
Little Rock Police insist shoppers were never in danger and have nothing to worry about with two people they believe to be responsible in custody.
Police say 18-year-old, Deonte Eidson was a former employee who had insight into how the business operated.
Eidson and 20-year-old, Tristan Bryant face Capital Murder and Attempted Murder charges.
25-year-old, Christian Hayes died from his injuries during that robbery. We're told 18-year-old, Jashonta Thomas remains in critical condition.
According to shoppers, this definitely was the topic of conversation inside the mall Friday (3/1) and if they didn't already know about it, Thursday night's murder had a strong impact on their day.
Nita McDonald and her husband Melvin enjoyed a bit of breakfast for dinner Friday night.
Knowing what happened just across the street though, distracted them from their food.
"There was a rumor going around the mall that somebody had got robbed there," Nita said.
The two had plans to eat in the food court at Park Plaza Mall across the street from the iHop. They found out however there was a robbery turned murder less than 24 hours before.
"When we heard the rumor the atmosphere changed for us," Nita explained. "We was a little apprehensive and felt a little uncomfortable. We were ready to finish our shopping and go."
Her husband added, "A thrill came up on me and I was ready to go."
Confirming the rumor they looked for reassurance in security detail thinking there would be more or even a police presence.
Melvin claimed, "I only saw one."
It lead them to take their business to iHop across the street.
Park Plaza Mll says it's helping Little Rock Police with the investigation in anyway it can.
LRPD says the robbery happened near the food court after closing. They claim it was an isolated incident, but it was enough to keep this couple away.
The McDonalds do plan to come back for more shopping in the future.
"No reflection on the mall," Nita added. "It was just fresh."
Little Rock Police insist shoppers were never in danger and have nothing to worry about with two people they believe to be responsible in custody.
