July 11, 2023

The Forrest City man who shot and killed a 21-year-old passenger of a car on Interstate 40 nearly two years ago will spend the rest of his life in prison.

Justin Mays, 26, was found guilty on June 28th of capital murder, two counts of terroristic acts, and two counts of first-degree battery. Mays was sentenced to a life term plus 10 years in Arkansas Department of Corrections custody.

In the early morning hours of August 21, 2021, Mays opened fire on a vehicle traveling on I-40 near Morgan, striking Kindylen Roberts, of Marion. Roberts later died at a local hospital, and two others were injured.

Arkansas State Police apprehended Mays the same day and led the investigation.

“This case is a successful collaboration made possible by solid police work, a meticulous investigation and careful analysis of evidence,” said ASP Colonel Mike Hagar, who also serves as Arkansas Public Safety Secretary and was Troop A Commander in August 2021. “This case was a team effort that really highlights the value of the Department of Public Safety and the importance of strong relationships with our prosecutorial partners.”

ASP’s Criminal Investigation Division spent an untold number of hours on the case, scouring over phone records, consulting with prosecutors, working with the Arkansas State Crime Lab, and keeping the Roberts family apprised to ensure the case would find a successful conclusion. 

“We have made it a priority to strengthen our communication and cooperation with law enforcement,” said Sixth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones. “The safety of our citizens depends on this relationship. This case is a great example of the value of that partnership, and the outcome was the result of hard work on the part of the Arkansas State Police and the Sixth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.”