WEST HELENA, Ark. – A Phillips County jury sentenced a Helena-West Helena man to life in prison on Friday, October 3, 2025, for the 2024 prom night shooting death of a local high school student.
According to the Arkansas State Police, 21-year-old Donterious Stephens was found guilty of First-Degree Murder and received an additional 15 years for a firearm enhancement. The conviction followed a joint investigation by the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division and the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said the case stemmed from an April 20, 2024, shooting that claimed the life of Lorenzo Harrison III, 18, a senior at Helena-West Helena’s Central High School (CHS). The incident occurred outside a post-prom party near the Ater Warehouse in West Helena, where witnesses reported gunfire shortly after midnight. Harrison was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified Stephens as the suspect following an extensive investigation, which included multiple witness interviews and forensic evidence collection. The Phillips County jury returned the guilty verdict after several days of testimony.
Stephens will serve life in the Arkansas Department of Corrections, with the added firearm enhancement to be served consecutively.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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