North Little Rock, Ark. — Aaron Gilliam, 44, of North Little Rock was fatally shot at the Jefferson Manor apartments on Monday, June 8, 2026, authorities said. Police responded around 10:28 a.m. to the 2600 block of John Ashley Drive and found Gilliam suffering from at least one gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators identified Cecil Brooks Jr., 39, as the suspect in the fatal shooting. A warrant has been issued for Brooks’ arrest on a charge of capital murder. He remains at large as the investigation continues.
What Authorities Have Confirmed
North Little Rock police officials released the names of both the victim and suspect on Tuesday, June 9, according to a department news release. Officers arrived at the Jefferson Manor apartments complex following reports of the shooting and located Aaron Gilliam deceased from gunshot wounds.
Cecil Brooks Jr. has been named as the primary suspect, with an active arrest warrant for capital murder. Details regarding the circumstances leading to the shooting, any potential motive, the exact number of shots fired, or whether there was any prior relationship between Gilliam and Brooks have not been confirmed at this time by authorities.
No other victims or injuries were reported in the incident. The scene was secured for evidence collection, and investigators continue to gather information. FirstAlert has reached out to the North Little Rock Police Department for additional updates as they become available.
About the Location/Community
The shooting occurred at the Jefferson Manor apartments, a multi-unit residential complex located at 2600 John Ashley Drive in North Little Rock, Arkansas. North Little Rock is a major city in Pulaski County with a population exceeding 64,000 residents. It forms part of the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metropolitan statistical area, offering a mix of urban amenities, suburban neighborhoods, and industrial zones.
Jefferson Manor and surrounding apartment communities serve working families, young professionals, and long-time residents of the area. The neighborhood features typical apartment layouts with parking areas, common spaces, and proximity to major roads that connect to downtown Little Rock across the Arkansas River. Local residents rely on these housing options for affordable living in a growing metropolitan region.
North Little Rock has a diverse population and a history tied to transportation, manufacturing, and government services. The city maintains active community policing initiatives and works to address quality-of-life issues in residential complexes like Jefferson Manor. While apartment-related incidents occur in any urban setting, this fatal shooting stands out as a serious and isolated event under active investigation. Broader community efforts focus on safety enhancements, neighborhood watches, and youth programs to reduce violence.
Who Was Aaron Gilliam
Aaron Gilliam, 44, was a resident of North Little Rock who was fatally shot at the Jefferson Manor apartments on June 8, 2026. Public details about his personal background, occupation, family, or community involvement have not been extensively released at this time. He was pronounced dead at the scene after officers responded to the apartment complex.
Family members or friends have not yet been quoted in official releases. As is common in ongoing homicide investigations, biographical information about the victim remains limited to protect the privacy of loved ones and to preserve the integrity of the case. Aaron Gilliam is remembered in initial reports as a North Little Rock resident whose life was tragically cut short by gunfire in what authorities describe as a targeted incident.
Investigation Details
The North Little Rock Police Department responded promptly to the shooting at approximately 10:28 a.m. on Monday. Upon arrival, officers discovered Aaron Gilliam suffering from gunshot wounds inside or near the apartment complex. He was declared deceased at the scene, and the area was quickly secured as a crime scene.
Investigators identified Cecil Brooks Jr., 39, as the suspect and obtained a capital murder warrant for his arrest. As of the latest updates, Brooks has not been apprehended. Police have not released a detailed physical description, vehicle information, or last known whereabouts beyond the warrant issuance.
Forensic teams processed the scene for shell casings, ballistic evidence, and other potential leads. Surveillance footage from the apartment complex or nearby areas may be under review, though this has not been confirmed publicly. Toxicology and autopsy results are pending and have not been released. The investigation remains active with detectives following all available leads.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Cecil Brooks Jr. or details related to the shooting is urged to contact the North Little Rock Police Department. FirstAlert will continue monitoring official statements as the case develops. The presumption of innocence applies to Cecil Brooks Jr. until proven otherwise in a court of law.
Safety/Statistics Context
Fatal shootings in apartment complexes remain a concern in mid-sized cities like North Little Rock, though overall violent crime trends in Pulaski County have shown fluctuations in recent years. Arkansas statewide data indicates that firearms are involved in a high percentage of homicides, with many cases stemming from disputes between individuals who know one another.
North Little Rock police regularly address calls involving domestic disturbances, arguments, and other incidents that can escalate in residential settings. While this specific shooting at Jefferson Manor does not appear connected to prior reported incidents at the complex based on available information, it underscores the importance of community vigilance and rapid police response.
Broader Arkansas statistics from the Arkansas Crime Information Center and FBI Uniform Crime Reports highlight that homicide rates, while below national peaks in some categories, require sustained attention through enforcement, prevention programs, and public awareness. Capital murder charges, as filed in this case, reflect the severity of the offense under Arkansas law. Local officials continue initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence through community partnerships and targeted policing in high-risk areas. Specific recent crime statistics for the Jefferson Manor area have not been detailed in initial reports.
Grief Support Resources
The sudden loss of Aaron Gilliam has undoubtedly left his family, friends, and the wider North Little Rock community in mourning. Grief following a homicide can be particularly challenging, and support services are available locally.
Pulaski County and North Little Rock resources include counseling through the Centers for Youth & Families and other community mental health providers. The Arkansas Department of Human Services offers referrals for bereavement support. Local organizations such as Compassionate Friends (for those who have lost loved ones) and various faith-based groups in the area provide peer support and counseling.
Additional options include the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Arkansas chapter and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which connects callers to local trained counselors 24/7. Victim assistance programs through the North Little Rock Police Department or Pulaski County can help with practical needs following a violent crime. Families are encouraged to seek professional help early in the grieving process.
Final Tribute
Aaron Gilliam’s death in the June 8 shooting at the Jefferson Manor apartments represents a tragic loss for his loved ones in North Little Rock. As authorities pursue justice through the arrest warrant for Cecil Brooks Jr., the community holds space for those affected by this violence while hoping for swift resolution to the ongoing investigation.
FirstAlert will continue to follow this story and provide updates as official information is released.
Sources
- NWAonline / Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: Victim and suspect named in North Little Rock shooting
- North Little Rock Police Department official news release
- Arkansas Crime Information Center and local law enforcement reports
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts for North Little Rock, Arkansas
- Pulaski County and Arkansas Department of Human Services grief resources
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