Suspect Arrested, Victim Identified in Hope Fatal Shooting

An update has been released in the fatal shooting investigation that occurred early Thursday morning in Hope.

According to the Hope Police Department, officers responded to a report of shots fired at a person in the 600 block of North Cedar Street at approximately 4:30 a.m. on January 8, 2026. Upon arrival, officers entered a residence and located a male victim lying on the ground with an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel responded and confirmed the victim was deceased.

Police have now identified the victim as Dashawn L. Compton, 26, of Washington, Arkansas.

Authorities also report that Jacolby C. Martin, 28, of Hope, has been arrested in connection with the incident and charged with Second-Degree Murder.

Police say one person of interest was taken into custody during the investigation, and that individual has since been formally charged. The case remains under investigation, and once complete, the file will be forwarded to the 8th North Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review.

All charges are allegations, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.