Two More Arrested for Felonies in October 5 Downtown Attack

JONESBORO, Ark. — Two new suspects were in court on Friday in Craighead County facing felony charges stemming from a brawl on October 5 in downtown Jonesboro.

Shawn Damarcus Kinnon, 23, and Kenneth Dewayne Amerson, 22, both of Steele, Mo., appeared in court on Friday for bond hearings stemming from their arrest on first-degree battery charges, a Class B felony. The arrests came from the October 5 incident in downtown Jonesboro that left two men hospitalized, one with brain injuries.

Judge David Boling noted that Kinnon had no prior convictions, cooperated during the arrest, and had a family that vouched for him. Bail was set at $30,000 cash or surety for Kinnon.

The judge noted that Amerson had no prior record. It was also noted that he had retained counsel and posted a smaller bond for a separate charge. Bail was set at $20,000 cash or surety for Amerson.

The beginning section of the probable cause affidavit for all of the arrests thus far has remained the same, focusing on the “extreme indifference to the value of human life.” The affidavit focuses on the injuries that included one man suffering multiple brain bleeds and another suffering multiple broken bones, four broken ribs, and a wrist fracture that would require surgery.

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Kinnon’s affidavit states that video footage captured Kinnon confronting Houstuss Darr after witnesses say a woman Kinnon is known to associate with was called a “bitch” by Darr. As he is squaring up to Darr, a woman can be seen striking Darr and one of the victims.

“Kinnon, a large man, then leaves Darr and gets a running start to punch the victim, later hospitalized with a brain bleed in the head, knocking him out for a short period of time,” wrote Detective Morgan.

Kinnon is seen on video striking both victims multiple times, police said. He was identified by his appearance and a witness who came forward. Police said the identification was corroborated by social media posts showing him wearing the same clothing as was seen on video.

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According to the affidavit against Kenneth Amerson, video evidence shows him punching and stomping both victims with the assistance of multiple people.

“At one point, the victim that would later be hospitalized for a brain bleed is trying to run away when K. Amerson pushes him to the ground from behind and then stomps the victim’s head multiple times as he covers his head in the fetal position,” Detective Morgan wrote.

K. Amerson was identified by his physical appearance and clothing at the time of his arrest for a separate disorderly conduct charge.

Both suspects are next due in court on Dec. 16, 2025.

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In total, six people have now been arrested for first-degree battery in this case. Dashawn Cortez Pruitt, 29, of Steele, Mo., was arrested at 2:45 PM on October 20 for first-degree battery, a Class B felony punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison.

Three others were arrested last week

Authorities are seeking to identify others seen in a newly circulated video as they continue to investigate.

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