New Arrest, More Details in Virginia Drive Shooting

JONESBORO, Ark. — Authorities have arrested another suspect in the Sunday morning shooting on Virginia Drive in Jonesboro.

Kaelon Chandler, 25, of Jonesboro, was in court for a probable cause hearing on Wednesday, August 28. He faces charges including first-degree battery, terroristic act, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of a minor, all felonies. The bond was set at $300,000.

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The probable cause affidavit for Chandler states that on August 25, JPD responded to the 1600 block of Virginia in response to a shooting. Police located a female that had been shot. Authorities located .223 and 7.62 casings in the driveway, in front of the residence, and sidewalk, indicating rifles were used.

As police investigated, they reported the victim had been at a birthday party earlier in the evening, on Saturday night, August 24. A verbal altercation occurred. The victim left the party and returned to her residence. But the other parties involved came back to the residence next door and another verbal altercation happened that became physical. The alleged victim and another female were fighting and as it was broken up, gunfire erupted. Police believe there were two shooters.

During the investigation and subsequent interviews, Chandler was identified by police as a suspect who was in front of the house with a “rifle-type weapon shooting.” Witnesses identified him by name and in a photo lineup. After the shooting, Chandler left the residence.

A bench warrant was issued for his arrest this week. Police executed the warrant on Tuesday, August 27 at the Links Apartments in Jonesboro. During the search, the police report states that authorities found a 7.62 bullet, an iPhone with a bullet hole in the center, and a small amount of marijuana.

Chandler’s next court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on September 27. In addition to the bond, an ankle monitor was ordered as a condition of his release, as the suspect told the judge he had been back and forth between Arkansas and Texas.

Also appearing in court on Wednesday in connection with the case was Dre’Khari Nesby, 25, of Blytheville. His probable cause affidavit says that he and Chandler drove to a nearby residence of the alleged victim on August 25, just before the second altercation occurred.

Police allege that Nesby and Chandler both fired shots toward the alleged victim and her house, striking the victim twice. The victim’s house and two vehicles in the driveway were also struck with gunfire. After the gunfire ended, Nesby and Chandler got into a purple Charger and fled the scene.

Nesby also faces charges including first-degree battery, terroristic act, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of a minor, all felonies. Bond was set at $250,000 with an ankle monitor also ordered as a condition for release.

Two others were also arrested for obstruction of governmental operations at the scene.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.