Arkansas Toddler Killed While in Babysitter’s Care — 19-Year-Old Charged With First-Degree Murder

Our children are our most precious gift. We do everything in our power to protect them. But for one Arkansas family, that trust was shattered in the most unimaginable way.

Two-year-old Ava Ann Marie Tabor, described by her loved ones as a joyful, affectionate child with sky-blue eyes and a love for dancing, tragically lost her life — and the person accused of taking it was someone entrusted to keep her safe.

A Life Cut Short in Lockesburg

Born on November 28, 2022, in Texarkana, Texas, Ava was being raised in De Queen, Arkansas, by her devoted parents, Levi Landon James Tabor and Kylie Marie Perez. Known for her bubbly personality and sweet nature, Ava enjoyed helping in the kitchen, singing in the car, and brightening every room with her laughter.

But on a day that was supposed to be routine, tragedy struck.

On March 4, 2025, Ava was being babysat by 19-year-old Wesley Davis at a residence in Lockesburg. That morning, Davis called for medical help after claiming the little girl was unresponsive. When authorities arrived, Ava was rushed to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, where despite medical intervention, she later died.

Heartbreaking Confession and Arrest

Following an initial investigation, Sevier County Sheriff Robert Gentry confirmed that Wesley Davis confessed to physically beating Ava while she was in his care. He was initially charged with first-degree domestic battery, but after Ava’s passing, those charges were upgraded to first-degree murder.

At a hearing last week, Judge Bryan Chesshir set Davis’s bond at $1 million and imposed a strict no-contact order, preventing him from reaching out to Ava’s grieving family.

A Mother’s Pain: “You Took My World”

In an emotional Facebook post, Ava’s mother Kylie Perez expressed her devastation and fury:

“Our very last time holding our baby… After two years of putting you to bed, making your bottles, playing with you, taking you bye-bye, and listening to your mini concerts in the car… I’ll never get to do that again. WESLEY DAVIS, you took this from me. YOU TOOK MY WORLD. 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.”

Family members say Ava was a “radiant light” whose spirit touched everyone she met. Her death has shaken the De Queen community to its core.

The Case Has Sparked Outrage

With emotions running high, Sheriff Gentry acknowledged that the case has sparked threats of violence toward Davis.

“There have been death threats, and we have had threats of bodily injuries and harm to Mr. Davis,”

he told **KSLA**.

However, he urged the public to allow the legal system to function, promising the community that justice will be served through the courts.

“She didn’t deserve what happened to her, and we are going to do our best to see that the judicial system takes care of the one that harmed her.”

A Final Act of Kindness

In a selfless decision amid unimaginable grief, Ava’s parents chose to donate her organs, offering hope and life to other families in need. It’s a powerful testament to the compassion and love that surrounded Ava throughout her short life.

Funeral Arrangements for Ava Ann Marie Tabor

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 12, from 6–8 p.m. at Chandler Funeral Home in De Queen, Arkansas. The funeral service will take place the following day, Thursday, March 13, at 2 p.m., at the same location.

Friends, family, and members of the community are expected to gather to honor the life of a little girl taken too soon.