Ashdown, Ark. — Derrick Burgess, 35, was fatally shot multiple times early Tuesday morning at a residence in the 600 block of Brodie Lane in Ashdown, marking the city’s first homicide in six years, authorities said.
Officers responded to reports of a shooting around 6:25 a.m. on June 9, 2026, and found Burgess lying near the residence’s carport. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Summer Grimes, 49, was taken into custody at the location.
What Authorities Have Confirmed
The Ashdown Police Department reported that officers responded to the scene after receiving information that a woman had shot her boyfriend. Derrick Burgess sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died before emergency medical services arrived. Summer Grimes was taken into custody without incident.
A preliminary investigation indicates the incident stemmed from a domestic situation. Multiple search warrants were executed, leading to the recovery of a significant number of firearms and illegal narcotics. Investigators from the Ashdown Police Department, Arkansas State Police, the 8th South Drug Task Force, and the 9th West Drug Task Force are involved in the case.
No other individuals were injured, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The case remains under active investigation, with charges pending against Grimes.
About the Location/Community
Ashdown is a small city in Little River County, Arkansas, located in the southwestern part of the state near the Texas border. With a population of approximately 4,500 residents, it serves as the county seat and maintains a close-knit, rural character typical of many Southern small towns. The community features modest residential neighborhoods, local businesses, and easy access to outdoor recreation along the Little River and nearby lakes.
The 600 block of Brodie Lane is a residential area with single-family homes. Residents in Ashdown often describe their town as quiet and family-oriented, with low crime rates compared to larger urban centers. This fatal shooting is a rare and significant event for the community, which had not experienced a homicide in six years prior to this incident.
Little River County as a whole has a population of around 12,000 and is known for its timber industry, agriculture, and proximity to Texarkana. The area faces typical challenges of small-town America, including economic pressures and access to services, but maintains strong community bonds.
Who Was Derrick Burgess
Derrick Burgess, 35, was a resident of Ashdown who was fatally shot at the Brodie Lane residence. Public details about his occupation, family background, or personal life have not been widely released at this time. He was found near the carport of the home following the early-morning incident.
Who Was Summer Grimes
Summer Grimes, 49, was taken into custody at the scene and is the named suspect in the shooting death of Derrick Burgess. According to authorities, she was involved in a relationship with the victim. Further personal details about Grimes have not been publicly detailed beyond her age and involvement in the incident.
Investigation Details
Ashdown Police officers arrived at the residence around 6:25 a.m. on June 9, 2026, following reports of a shooting. They located Derrick Burgess with multiple gunshot wounds outside near the carport. A firearm was recovered at the scene, and additional weapons were found during the execution of search warrants.
Summer Grimes was taken into custody and transported to the Little River County Jail. The investigation involves multiple agencies due to the recovery of illegal narcotics alongside firearms. Forensic processing, interviews, and analysis of evidence continue. Autopsy results and full toxicology findings have not been released.
The case is being treated as a domestic-related homicide. FirstAlert has reached out to the Ashdown Police Department for further updates. Charges against Summer Grimes are pending review by prosecutors. The presumption of innocence applies to Summer Grimes until proven guilty in a court of law.
Safety/Statistics Context
Domestic violence incidents involving firearms remain a serious concern across Arkansas, including in small communities like Ashdown. While homicides are rare in the city — this being the first in six years — state data shows that a significant portion of Arkansas homicides involve people known to one another, often in domestic situations.
Arkansas law enforcement agencies, including the Arkansas State Police, actively respond to domestic disturbance calls and work with drug task forces when narcotics are involved. The recovery of multiple firearms and illegal substances in this case highlights the potential overlap between domestic conflicts and other criminal activity. Local initiatives focus on prevention, awareness, and providing resources for those in abusive relationships.
Nationally, firearms are involved in the majority of intimate partner homicides. In rural and small-town settings, factors such as access to weapons and limited immediate support services can exacerbate risks. Ashdown and Little River County officials stress that while this incident is isolated, community vigilance and reporting of concerning behavior are important for public safety.
Grief Support Resources
The family and friends of Derrick Burgess are grieving a sudden and violent loss. Support services are available in Ashdown and the surrounding area.
Little River County and Southwest Arkansas resources include counseling through local mental health providers and the Arkansas Department of Human Services. The Ashdown Police Department can connect individuals with victim assistance programs. GriefShare support groups meet in nearby communities, offering peer support for those affected by homicide.
Additional help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate 24/7 support. Faith-based organizations in Ashdown and Texarkana also provide bereavement counseling and practical assistance to families navigating funeral arrangements and emotional recovery.
Final Tribute
Derrick Burgess’s death in the Brodie Lane shooting has deeply affected the small community of Ashdown. As investigators work to piece together the circumstances of this rare homicide, the focus remains on supporting those mourning his loss and ensuring justice through the legal process.
FirstAlert will continue to follow this story and provide updates as official information is released.
Sources
- KTAL News: Victim and suspect named in Ashdown homicide shooting
- Ashdown Police Department official statements
- Arkansas State Police
- Local news coverage from KSLA and Texarkana Gazette
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts for Ashdown, Arkansas
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