36th Homicide for 2011, Up 50% from 2010

Police are searching for a suspect; a man has been shot dead, and the homicide rate for the year spikes 50%.

Just after 10pm Wednesday, police were called to W 12th St. to a shooting, when they arrived they found Kelvin Lott-Shelton's, 23, girlfriend, Torrece Graydon, 24 according to police.

Police said they searched the area and found Shelton's jeep crashed at a light pole behind Little Rock Central High. Shelton suffering gunshot wounds was rushed to the hospital and later died.

Police said they are in the process of interviewing Graydon. They are not releasing any suspect's names, or a motive, but do not think the homicide was random.

"We believe that this victim and this suspect may have had some casual or may have known each other slightly so it wasn't like a random act or anything the neighbors should be concerned about," said Little Rock police's spokesperson Sgt. Cassandra Davis.

With the year coming to a close the Little Rock the homicide rate is currently at 36. In 2010 the total number was 24. This is about 1 every 10 days.

"Conflict resolution; a better way to solving issues is probably one of the main things that needs to be addressed or talked about," said Sgt. Davis.

This total number is down from five years ago. Channel 7 reported 60 homicides in 2006.

Sgt. Davis said the department started an outreach program at a local community center 6 months ago to help curb crime stats. It targets high risk youth in Little Rock and gives them activities on Saturday mornings.

For more click here on the program:

http://www.littlerock.org/pdfs/police/colr_Police_Athletic_League-PAL.pdf