2-year-old Arkansas girl beaten to death

A Heartbreaking Loss: The Tragic Story of Ava Ann Marie Tabor
Our children are our greatest treasures, and we do everything in our power to keep them safe. That is what makes the devastating loss of little Ava Ann Marie Tabor so incredibly heartbreaking. At just two years old, she was a radiant, joyful child who filled every room with light. Her life was taken in the most horrific way, leaving her family and community shattered by unimaginable grief.

Born on November 28, 2022, in Texarkana, Texas, Ava was full of life from the very beginning. She loved to dance, help in the kitchen, and had an infectious smile that could brighten anyone’s day. With her sky-blue eyes filled with wonder, she was cherished by her parents, Levi Landon James Tabor and Kylie Marie Perez. Together, they built a loving home in De Queen, Arkansas, where Ava was surrounded by warmth and care.

But in March 2025, that love was cruelly torn apart.

A Betrayal That Shook the Community
On that fateful day, 19-year-old Wesley Davis was babysitting Ava at a home in Lockesburg, Arkansas. At some point, something went terribly wrong. Davis made a call for medical assistance, reporting that Ava had become unresponsive. By the time first responders arrived, it was clear that she was in critical condition.

Shortly after, Sevier County Sheriff Robert Gentry confirmed the unthinkable—Davis had been arrested after reportedly confessing to beating Ava. The news sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many in disbelief that anyone could commit such an atrocity against an innocent child.

Ava was rushed to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, where doctors fought tirelessly to save her. But despite their best efforts, her injuries were too severe. On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Ava took her final breath, leaving behind a family that never imagined they would have to say goodbye so soon.

A Mother’s Heartbreaking Goodbye
Ava’s mother, Kylie Perez, poured her grief into an emotional Facebook post, expressing the profound pain of losing her baby girl. She recalled the tender moments they shared—the bedtime routines, the joyful car rides, and the warmth of Ava’s little kisses.

“Our very last time holding our baby… After two years of putting you to bed, making your bottles, playing with you, waking you up, taking you bye-bye, and listening to your mini concerts in the car… I’ll never get to do that again. No more Ava kisses, no more hearing ‘Momma, c’mon,’ no more baby loves… Wesley Davis, you took this from me. YOU TOOK MY WORLD. YOU TOOK EVERYTHING I LIVED FOR.

I will not stop until you get what you deserve. I LOVE YOU, AVA ANN MARIE TABOR. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MOMMY’S BABY. NEVER FORGOTTEN.”

The Fight for Justice
Following Ava’s passing, authorities upgraded Davis’s charge from first-degree domestic battery to first-degree murder. On Thursday, March 6, Judge Bryan Chesshir set his bond at $1 million and issued a no-contact order preventing him from reaching out to Ava’s family.

Determined to ensure Davis faces justice, Kylie Perez remains resolute.

“My baby did not deserve this,” she said through tears. “And he deserves every bad thing that’s coming to him. I will not stop until he gets it.”

The case has deeply affected the local community, with emotions running high. Sheriff Robert Gentry acknowledged the anger and sorrow, revealing that Davis has received multiple death threats.

“There have been threats of bodily harm, even death threats against Davis,” the sheriff stated.

Authorities are urging the public to allow the legal system to take its course, assuring the community that justice will be served.

“She didn’t deserve what happened to her, and we are going to do our best to ensure that the judicial system takes care of the one who harmed her,” Sheriff Gentry said in an interview with KSLA.

A Final Act of Love
Even in the wake of this tragedy, Ava’s family found a way to let her light shine on. They made the selfless decision to donate her organs, ensuring that her short life would bring hope to others in need.

To honor her memory, a funeral service has been arranged for Thursday, March 13, at 2 p.m. at Chandler Funeral Home in De Queen, Arkansas. A visitation will be held the evening before, on Wednesday, March 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the same location.

Remembering Ava
The pain of losing a child is beyond words, and nothing can ease the heartbreak Ava’s family is enduring. This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the importance of protecting our children. As her family grieves, the community stands beside them, united in their fight for justice.

It is impossible to comprehend how anyone could harm an innocent child. Ava Ann Marie Tabor deserved a life filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities.

May she rest in peace, and may her family find strength in the beautiful memories they shared with her.