Two Arrested in Prescott Child Death Investigation

Two people are facing Capital Murder charges following the death of a two-year-old child in Prescott earlier this year.

According to the Prescott Police Department, officers were dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of Martin Street on March 21st after receiving a report of an unresponsive child.

Officers and first responders attempted life-saving measures, but the child was pronounced deceased at approximately 11 a.m.

Prescott Police Detective Ashley Whittecar then began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. Multiple agencies assisted with the investigation, including the Nevada County Coroner, the Percy and Donna Malone Child Advocacy Center, the Arkansas and Texas Departments of Human Services, the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division and the 8th North Drug Task Force.

An autopsy conducted by the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory and Office of the Medical Examiner determined the cause of death was malnutrition and dehydration. The manner of death was determined to be homicide.

On Tuesday, September 1st, Prescott Police arrested Demarcus Duncan and Tamesiza Paxton on arrest warrants issued by the Nevada County Circuit Court. Both are charged with Capital Murder and are being held at the Nevada County Detention Facility pending their first court appearances.

Police say the investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details about the circumstances surrounding the child’s death are being released at this time.

Authorities continue to work with partner agencies and review evidence in the case.