JONESBORO, Ark. — Charges were dismissed against a Jonesboro man on August 26 after the victim declined to cooperate with prosecutors and formally asked the state to dismiss the case.
According to a court order signed by Circuit Judge Chris Thyer, charges of criminal attempt and possession of a firearm by certain persons were dropped against Brandon Larrell Williams. Williams had been awaiting trial for allegedly shooting a man multiple times in April 2025.
Police records reveal that on April 21, officers responded to reports of a shooting near Melrose Avenue and Word Street. Upon arrival, they found the victim suffering from three gunshot wounds to the lower body.
Detective Bruce Wright described a key piece of evidence in the investigation: a surveillance video from a SkyCop camera in the Cedar Heights and Melrose area. The footage reportedly showed a suspect in a light-colored jumpsuit firing multiple shots at the victim, who fell to the ground. The shooter, later identified as Williams, allegedly continued firing before fleeing the scene by jumping a fence and entering a nearby townhouse.
Investigators linked Williams to the incident through the video and a prior altercation with the victim on April 13 at a downtown nightclub. Wright noted similarities in the clothing Williams wore during the nightclub altercation and the outfit captured in the surveillance video of the shooting.
Following the incident, police executed a search warrant at the townhouse and arrested Williams on May 13. He was charged with criminal attempt and possession of a firearm by certain persons. The following day, he appeared for a bond hearing before Craighead County District Judge David Boling. Citing Williams' violent criminal history—which included a manslaughter conviction in Crittenden County—Judge Boling ordered a $500,000 cash or surety bond and a GPS ankle monitor, expressing concern for public safety.
Despite the circumstances surrounding the case, the victim refused to meet with prosecutors and requested that the charges against Williams be dismissed. The state subsequently acted on the victim's request, dropping all charges in August.
The case highlights the challenges law enforcement and prosecutors face in pursuing charges when victims are unwilling to participate in the judicial process. Authorities have not provided additional information regarding the victim's reasons for the request or potential further investigations.