PINE BLUFF, Arkansas — Authorities in Arkansas have charged a man and a woman with first-degree murder following the tragic death of a two-month-old baby boy earlier last year. The case, which began as a medical emergency, has since been reclassified as a homicide after a detailed investigation and autopsy findings.
According to officials, the incident occurred on January 3, 2025, when officers from the Pine Bluff Police Department responded to a call about an unresponsive infant. Upon arrival, emergency responders were already attempting life-saving measures, including CPR, as the baby was being transported to a nearby hospital.
The infant was rushed to Jefferson Regional Medical Center, where medical staff pronounced him dead shortly after arrival. The severity of the situation prompted an immediate investigation, with detectives working to determine the cause of death. The child’s body was later sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for a full autopsy.
Investigators revealed that the baby had allegedly been subjected to ongoing physical abuse. Authorities identified Timothy Martin as the primary suspect responsible for the abuse, while the child’s mother, Gabrielle Ayers, was reportedly aware of the situation. Despite this, officials say the infant was never taken for medical treatment.
Autopsy results confirmed that the cause of death was craniocerebral trauma—serious injury to the brain and skull—leading investigators to officially classify the case as a homicide.
After reviewing the evidence, prosecutors in Jefferson County announced on April 13, 2026, that both Martin and Ayers would face first-degree murder charges.
Ayers was arrested on April 19 without resistance and booked into the Jefferson County Jail. In addition to the murder charge, she also faces charges for permitting the abuse of a minor.
Two days later, on April 21, authorities received a tip regarding Martin’s location. Law enforcement officers, including the U.S. Marshals and Little Rock Police Department, located him in the Mabelvale area and took him into custody without incident. He has also been formally charged with first-degree murder.
Both suspects are currently being held on a bond set at $100,000 each as the legal proceedings move forward.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the allegations and highlights the importance of timely intervention in suspected child abuse cases.