LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A long-running community celebration in the John Barrow neighborhood is taking on new meaning. What many now call Trammell Shelton Day honors the life of a 26-year-old Little Rock man killed in a 2021 drive-by shooting while continuing the tradition of unity that has defined John Barrow Day for years.

According to police, Shelton was shot while sitting in a car on John Barrow and West 36th Street on Oct. 5, 2021. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

Investigators say no suspect has been named.

For his mother, Jackie Smith, linking her son’s name to the community day makes the event a way to both remember him and uplift others.

“October 5 first off is Trammell’s birthday,” Smith said. “That is his original date of birth, date of death, date of killing.”

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