Mississippi County Leaders Unite to Address Gun Violence

Gun violence affects far more than crime statistics. It leaves lasting emotional wounds for families, impacts first responders, challenges law enforcement, and changes entire communities for generations.

Law enforcement leaders, mental health professionals, victim advocates, and community members gathered at the June meeting of the 100 Families Initiative of Mississippi County to address the reality of gun violence. Hosted at Arkansas Northeastern College, the panel explored how communities can work together to prevent violence, support survivors, and create safer futures for young people.

The discussion featured William Skaggs, Interim Police Chief for the City of Osceola; John Frazier, Police Chief for the City of Blytheville; Pamela Donnerson, founder of Arky's World and victim advocate; Greg Delancey, Deputy Coroner for Mississippi and Poinsett Counties and owner of Delancey Funeral Home; and Derrick Singleton, Mental Health Counselor/Therapist with Delta Behavioral Health.

In December 2013, Pamela Donnerson's 18-year-old son, Cortez "Arky," was murdered over a dispute involving a counterfeit $50 bill. What began as an ordinary day preparing for Christmas became a tragedy that permanently changed her family's life.

"I do not want another mother to have to go through it alone."

Today, Donnerson honors her son's legacy through Arky's World, a nonprofit that walks alongside families who have lost loved ones to violence. She helps parents navigate everything from funeral planning to court proceedings while encouraging healthy grieving and long-term healing.

She reminded attendees that every act of gun violence ripples far beyond a single victim.

"Cortez wasn't just a son. He was a brother. He was a grandson. He was a cousin. He was a friend. So there is a line of people that's affected by his death."

Her message to parents and community members was equally direct.

"See something, say something, drop the street code and pick up the love code."

Both police chiefs emphasized that reducing gun violence requires more than law enforcement alone.

Chief John Frazier noted that violent crime has declined significantly in Blytheville over the past decade through collaborative law enforcement efforts and proactive investigations. However, he warned that today's challenges increasingly involve younger individuals influenced by social media, drugs, and retaliation.

"If you see something suspicious, call the police department because we're going to check it out."

Frazier encouraged parents to stay actively involved in their children's lives by monitoring social media, knowing who they spend time with, and recognizing changes in behavior before they escalate into violence.

"Be their parents."

Chief William Skaggs echoed those concerns, explaining that many firearms used by juveniles are stolen from unsecured vehicles and homes. He encouraged responsible firearm storage while stressing the importance of providing positive opportunities for youth.

"There has to be activities for these children to have something to do."

He also highlighted the value of trust between law enforcement and residents, sharing how stronger community relationships have helped investigators solve violent crimes more quickly because witnesses felt comfortable coming forward.

Mental health counselor Derrick Singleton reminded attendees that survivors often carry invisible wounds long after headlines fade.

Families commonly experience grief, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, fear, and isolation. Witnesses may struggle with trauma or fear retaliation. First responders repeatedly carry the emotional weight of responding to violence.

"Don't do it alone."

Singleton encouraged individuals to seek counseling, lean on community support, and allow themselves to experience grief without shame or unrealistic expectations.

He also challenged churches, counselors, neighbors, and community organizations to normalize conversations about mental health while continuing to remove the stigma surrounding counseling.

Deputy Coroner Greg Delancey has spent decades walking with families during some of the worst moments of their lives.

"You know, that's not the way life is supposed to be. Your children are supposed to bury their parents."

Drawing on more than 40 years of experience, Delancey reflected on the profound emotional toll families carry long after funeral services end. His work has reinforced the importance of compassion, support, and prevention before tragedy ever occurs.

Parents, schools, churches, neighbors, mental health providers, law enforcement, and community organizations each have a role in recognizing warning signs, supporting young people, and speaking up before violence occurs.

While gun violence leaves lasting scars, communities that build trust, strengthen relationships, provide support, and intervene early can help prevent future tragedies. Healing begins not with one organization or one profession, but with neighbors willing to stand together for one another.