Funeral plans are prepared for a two-year-old Arkansas girl who died after being abused

LOCKESBURG, Ark. (KSLA) – A 2-year-old is dead and a 19-year-old man has been arrested in a domestic violence case in Sevier County.

The sheriff’s office says on March 1 around 8:40 p.m., deputies were sent out to a home in Lockesburg about an unresponsive 2-year-old girl. The deputies saw that the child had been severely beaten. They identified the suspect as 19-year-old Wesley Davis. He was taken to the sheriff’s office for questioning.

Wesley Davis, 19, is accused of beating a 2-year-old girl, Ava Tabor, to death in Sevier County, Ark.(KSLA)Ava Ann Marie Tabor, 2, was severely beaten in a domestic violence incident in Sevier County, Ark. She died March 4, 2025.(Family)

Meanwhile, the child was taken to the Sevier County Medical Center, then transferred to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock.

A family member identified the girl as Ava Ann Marie Tabor. According to family, her organs will be donated. A “hero walk” will be held for her Wednesday night.

An investigator interviewed Davis, and he reportedly confessed to the beating. He was then booked into the Sevier County Jail on a charge of domestic battering in the first degree, which is a felony.

Officials say on March 4, the child died at the hospital. After being pronounced dead at 11:28 a.m., Davis’ charge was upgraded to first-degree murder.

“Our condolences and prayers go out to the family and friends of the 2-year-old female along with all first responders, EMS, law enforcement, Sevier County medical staff, and Arkansas Children’s Hospital medical staff that have been involved in this tragic event.”Sevier County Sheriff’s Office