Needham, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com – A man is dead and another is in custody following an early Sunday morning shooting at a gathering east of Jonesboro in the Needham community.
Craighead County Sheriff Marty Boyd said deputies were dispatched to 6888 Highway 18 East around 1:30 a.m. Sunday after receiving reports of gunfire.
When deputies arrived, they found a man, identified as Courtney Mullins, 42, lying in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds. Assistant Chief Deputy Jason Allen told JRN deputies began life-saving measures, waiting on EMS to arrive. He said Mullins was transported to NEA Baptist, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities believe Mullins was from Mississippi County.
During the course of the investigation, deputies identified a suspect and obtained an arrest warrant for Demetrie Allen, 33, West Memphis. Allen was taken into custody Monday following a traffic stop along Interstate 55 near the Mississippi-Crittenden County line.
Allen is currently being held in the Craighead County Detention Center on a charge of first-degree murder. He is expected to make a probable cause appearance later this week.
Boyd said investigators are still working to determine what led to the shooting. He noted that a large gathering was taking place at the location and that the shooting appears to have occurred outside in the parking lot.
According to Boyd, law enforcement has responded to calls at the address in the past.
A flyer circulated on social media ahead of the event advertised a Saturday night gathering at the location, described as the “Pressure & Friends 6th Annual Bash,” featuring live performances and VIP sections.
Online records indicate the registered owner for the property is Derrick L Mitchell whose address is listed as 106 Callie Drive, Osceola. Mitchell is listed as the registered agent for a domestic limited liability company (LLC) BBE Enterprises. The company was registered with the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office in December 2025. The nature of the corporation is unknown.
Records indicate Mitchell (BBE) purchased the property in December 2025.
Derrick L Mitchell is also listed in court cases involving traffic violations and collection filings with addresses listed on Prospector Drive and Churchill Drive in Jonesboro.
No health department records identifying the location as a restaurant were found, and online records also show no private club permit issued for the address.
The investigation remains ongoing.
UPDATE: This story has been updated to remove prior ownership history.
