October 6, 2025
WEST HELENA, Ark. — On Friday, October 3, 2025, a Phillips County jury found Donterious Stephens, 21, of Helena-West Helena, guilty of First-Degree Murder and sentenced him to life in prison, plus 15 years for a firearm enhancement.
The conviction follows an investigation conducted by the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators identified Stephens as the suspect in the April 20, 2024, shooting death of Lorenzo Harrison III, 18, outside a party following Helena-West Helena’s Central High School (CHS) prom. The incident occurred across the street from the Ater Warehouse in West Helena, where a post-prom gathering was taking place. Harrison, a senior at CHS, died at the scene.