PINE BLUFF, Ark. –A graphic confession from the man police say murdered a 20-year-old woman. Police say 20-year-old Zaria Johnson and the suspect– 19-year-old Jalin Reynolds– got into an argument that turned physical. This was at the intersection of 17th and Elm Street in Pine Bluff.
According to investigators– Reynolds went to his car– got a rifle– and then shot Johnson several times before speeding away.
“It’s just blank,” says Cory Maddox, Zaria’s brother. “I mean I just still don’t believe it.” Maddox says his older sister – loved to sing. He remembers her voice – family and friends described as “heavenly.” I keep thinking she will walk in at any moment and it’s just jokes but it’s really not.”
In the same month, they celebrated her day of birth., they’re now mourning her death. “I had no idea I would lose my mama, then at 14 lose my sister,” says Johnson. Pine Bluff police say Johnson got into an argument with 19-year-old Jalin Reynolds. They say Reynolds went to his car, got a rifle and shot Johnson multiple times. – before driving away.Jalin Reynolds. They say Reynolds went to his car, got a rifle and shot Johnson multiple times. – before driving away.
“I couldn’t believe it I didn’t’ think it was real, I couldn’t understand why,” says Zaria’s younger sister, Zariintoounger sister, Xavia Johnson.Zaria’s younger sister, Zariintoounger sister, Xavia Johnson.
A Facebook live video shows Reynolds allegedly after the shooting – before he said he was turning himself in to Pine Bluff police. Now Johnson’s family say they don’t want to think about her tragic death, but the way she lived. “Everyone that knows me knows I love my siblings, and I would do anything for them, I really would, and that hit home,” says Maddox.
Reynolds was booked into the Jefferson County Jail and faces capital murder charges. The family is planning a funeral now for Johnson.