Authorities in Texarkana, Arkansas, have confirmed the arrest of a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Gary Nichols at the Ridge Apartments on N. Oats Street.
The incident unfolded late Sunday night, August 24, 2025, just after 11:00 p.m., when the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department received multiple emergency calls reporting gunfire at the apartment complex.
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Responding officers discovered Nichols outside the building suffering from a gunshot wound. Bystanders were already attempting to provide aid before police secured the scene and rendered assistance until LifeNet EMS arrived. Despite efforts to save him, Nichols was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following an intensive investigation by detectives and the Crime Scene Unit, authorities identified 21-year-old Xavian Banks as the suspected shooter. Banks was arrested later that night and has been charged with Second-Degree Murder. He is being held at the Miller County Jail.
Police stress that the investigation remains active as detectives continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses. Community members with information are urged to contact the Texarkana Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 903-798-3154.
The death of Gary Nichols has left loved ones and the community devastated, marking yet another tragic instance of violence that authorities are working to address.