New trial date set for suspect in Officer Collins’ death

Pine Bluff, Arkansas – The court proceedings in the case of Officer Kevin Collins’ tragic death have faced an unexpected delay. Officer Collins, from the Pine Bluff Police Department, was fatally shot in an incident that also injured another officer. The trial for the prime suspect, Keshone Quantarious Smith, was scheduled for September 18, 2023. However, it has now been rescheduled for January 22, 2024.

The primary reason cited for this delay is the “inability to secure a twelve-person jury.” Such challenges in securing a jury can arise due to various factors, including the profile of the case, pretrial publicity, or potential biases among the pool of jurors. It is essential for justice to be served impartially, ensuring both the defendant and the victims receive a fair trial.

The backdrop of this case traces back to October 2020, when Smith was arrested. His arrest stemmed from an incident in Pine Bluff where two officers were shot. Acting on reports, officers arrived at a hotel where they believed a man wanted for a separate homicide was staying. They identified a vehicle matching the suspect’s description. As they approached the vehicle and instructed its occupants to step out, gunshots were fired. In the aftermath, 42-year-old Lieutenant Ralph Isaac sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Sadly, 35-year-old Kevin Collins did not survive the altercation.

The community and the Pine Bluff Police Department eagerly await justice for Officer Collins and his family.