Our children are our greatest treasures, thus we take every effort to keep them safe. That is the reason why the terrible narrative of young Ava Ann Marie Tabor is so devastating. Even at two years old, Ava was a bright, content child whose presence brightened any space. She gave joy to everyone around her, and her family and community were permanently touched by her laughter and spirit. A loving family’s world was completely upended by what transpired in early March 2025, following a horrifying act, and they suffered an unfathomable loss.
Ava was born on November 28, 2022, in Texarkana, Texas, and from the time she entered the world, she emanated energy and happiness. She was so unique because of her infectious smile, love of dancing, and willingness to help in the kitchen. She was adored by her parents, Kylie Marie Perez and Levi Landon James Tabor, who were always in awe of her large, sky-blue eyes. In De Queen, Arkansas, where Ava was raised, the family had created a happy and loving life.
But on a fairly routine day in early March, everything changed. On that fatal day, Wesley Davis, then 19 years old, was watching Ava at a residence near Lockesburg, Arkansas. Something went horribly wrong during his time with her. At one point, Ava stopped responding, prompting Davis to call for help. Emergency personnel arrived to find the little girl in critical condition.
Reports state that Davis later admitted to striking Ava. Sevier County Sheriff Robert Gentry reported that Davis had been taken into custody immediately after the incident. The news was welcomed with shock and astonishment in the local community—no one could fathom how someone could injure such an innocent and wonderful youngster.
After being taken to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, Ava’s doctors put in endless effort to save her life. Despite their best efforts, the little girl’s injuries were too severe, and she tragically passed away on March 4, 2025, just a few days before her third birthday. Her family was left heartbroken, struggling to comprehend that their beloved child was taken from them so soon.
Kylie Perez, Ava’s mother, resorted to Facebook to vent the depths of her sadness and hatred. She wrote a heartbreaking piece in which she pondered on the times she will never get to spend with Ava again, including their bedtime rituals, singing car drives, and the tender kisses she used to get. Her statements reflected the terrible loss that many parents fear. “Our final moment with our child… Never again will I get to do it. No more ‘momma c’mon,’ no more Ava kisses, no more baby affections. You took this from me, Wesley Davis. My world was taken by you.”
The charges against Davis were raised from first-degree domestic battery to first-degree murder after Ava’s passing. A judge imposed a no-contact order, prohibiting him from speaking to the victim’s relatives, and put his bond at $1 million.
Kylie Perez has not wavered in her determination to secure justice for her daughter. Her statement, “My baby did not deserve this. Davis deserves everything that’s coming to him. And until he gets it, I won’t give up,” was a powerful one.
The town of De Queen, along with the entire community, has been severely affected by this tragedy. Sheriff Robert Gentry noted that Davis had received numerous threats of violence following his arrest, indicating the deep sadness and rage in the community. “There have been threats of death and physical harm against Mr. Davis,” Gentry stated. Despite the community’s intense feelings, local officials have urged everyone to have faith in the legal system to handle the case appropriately. “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,” said Sheriff Gentry.
In a final act of compassion, Ava’s family made the selfless decision to donate her organs, ensuring that her life, though tragically short, would help others in need. Although nothing could ever fully erase the gap created by her passing, Ava’s family believed that her legacy would endure because of the lives she helped.
A funeral ceremony to memorialize Ava has been arranged for Thursday, March 13, 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.
The pain that Ava’s family is going through is unfathomable. The sorrow of losing a child is something that no parent should ever have to go through. Ava’s death serves as a tragic reminder of how important it is to safeguard our children, to protect them from harm, and to cherish every moment we have with them.
In light of the ongoing investigation and the community’s collective grief, we honor Ava Ann Marie Tabor for the happiness she brought to everyone in her vicinity. She deserved a long, fulfilling life full of laughter and love. Her premature death leaves a tremendous void in the hearts of her family, but they will continue to fight for justice in her name. I hope that Ava is at peace and that her family finds solace in the memories they have of her.
