JONESBORO, Ark. — Three people have been arrested for first-degree battery, a Class B felony, in connection with the attack by a large group against two men on October 5 in downtown Jonesboro.
According to probable cause affidavits, around 1:50 AM on October 5, officers responded to a large fight in downtown Jonesboro. They arrived and found two alleged victims.
Officers found probable cause to arrest Kenneth Amerson, Tawonn Amerson, Jackson Guy, Justyce Martinez, Glen Jackson, and Houston Darr for misdemeanor crimes. The arrests were not made in relation to the battery of the victim, the affidavit said.
Two victims were evaluated at the hospital. One suffered multiple brain bleeds and was admitted to intensive care. The other sustained multiple broken bones, including four broken ribs and a wrist fracture that required surgery.
Officers began an investigation into the fight that caused the injuries. Investigators used intersection cameras and videos posted to social media to identify the suspects. Multiple interviews were also conducted, the affidavit said.
“A Battery 1st warrant is requested in this affidavit due to the serious injuries sustained by victims and the extreme indifference to the value of human life displayed,” wrote Detective Morgan.
The detective wrote that footage showed Tawonn Amerson kick both victims multiple times while they were down on the ground in the “fetal” position or crawling on the ground. Police describe how, at one point, “T. Amerson gets a running start to plant one foot and swing the other similar to a football-style kick to one victim’s head as he is on his stomach surrounded by multiple people who were also striking the victim.”
Amerson was identified in the video by physical appearance, clothing worn at his arrest, and social media posts of his white shirt with a large face on the front, the detective wrote.
Amerson appeared in court for his probable cause hearing on the newest charge on Friday, October 17. He was represented by attorney Ben Bristow. The state was represented by DPA Bryce Cook, who argued for a $250,000 cash or surety bond due to the seriousness of the injuries.
Judge Tommy Fowler noted that while there are many factors to consider when setting bond, the seriousness of one’s injuries is not one as defined in the law. Bail was set at $75,000 cash or surety with a no-contact order.
His next court appearance is scheduled for December 16, 2025.
A second affidavit states that video showed Mark Jones Jr. kicking a down victim after he attempted to run away, was pushed down, and was on the ground in the fetal position being kicked and stomped by multiple other people.
Jones was recognized by a witness, which was corroborated by his physical appearance, the detective wrote. He was at the bar with the other involved parties before the incident occurred and police said is a known associate of the others.
Bail was set at $50,000 cash or surety with a no-contact order.
His next court appearance is scheduled for December 16, 2025.
A third affidavit states that a “light-skinned black female wearing red and black striped shirt, shorts, and black hair can be seen throwing the first punch in the altercation, and then kicking and stomping downed victims who were later hospitalized for serious injuries.”
On October 16, detectives obtained a bench warrant for Kajaysia Phillips based on witness interviews and what appeared to be a neck tattoo. However, she identified the suspect as her sister, Mataiya, and showed police video where she pointed out that she was pulling the suspect away from the fighting.
“She also gave a statement consistent with witness interviews stating that this fight was caused because someone called Mataiya a “bitch,” the detective wrote.
Detective Morgan showed the photo of the suspect to their mother, who confirmed it was Mataiya.
Following a request by the officer, the judge set bail at $20,000 cash or surety with a no contact order.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for December 16, 2025.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Warning: Graphic Video Content
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