Probation revoked for homicide suspect

JONESBORO, AR (KAIT) - 29-year-old Markus Gentry of Blytheville appeared in court before Judge David Boling on Jan. 7.

A petition to revoke his probation was requested to Judge Boling. Gentry was on probation prior to the homicide that occurred last week.

According to a press release issued by the Jonesboro Police Department, 35-year-old Lewis C Gamble of Jonesboro was shot around 1 in the afternoon on Jan. 1 on the 1100 block of West Huntington Street.

Gamble was given medical aid and then transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he succumbed to gunshot wounds.

Gentry was identified as the suspect in the shooting and taken into custody without incident around 8:30 p.m. Jan. 1, JPD Sgt. Lyle Waterworth said.

Court records stated that Gentry came to the address to confront Gamble about a previous incident that led to Gentry shooting Gamble.

The judge set Gentry’s bond at $5 million, the prosecutor cited Gentry’s connection to gang-related incidents, as well as current warrants out of Houston, Texas.

According to court records, Gentry also has a lengthy criminal history.

He received 96 months incarceration after a 2010 conviction for first-degree battery as well as a 120-month suspended sentence after being found guilty on a terroristic act charge, according to Arkansas Court Connect.

Gentry was also involved in a 2016 shooting in Blytheville, in which he was arrested on suspicion of two counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by certain persons.

Waterworth said the public played a role in Gentry’s recent arrest in Jonesboro.

“We would like to thank the public for their assistance in this case,” Waterworth said.

An arrest warrant had been issued earlier Tuesday for Gentry, 29, of Blytheville involving the shooting.

Jonesboro police are searching for a suspect in connection with a homicide Tuesday on West... — Jonesboro police are searching for a suspect in connection with a homicide Tuesday on West Huntington Avenue.(Source: Jonesboro Police Department)

Jonesboro police were seen at the corner of Huntington and Chestnut, investigating a shooting.

Waterworth said Gentry entered a business and opened fire.

“When the officers arrived, they rendered medical aid to the victim. The victim was then transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he was being taken into surgery,” Waterworth said in a statement to Region 8 News.

His bond was set at $500,000, which is in addition to the $5 million bond set for the murder charge he now faces.

His next court appearance is Jan. 31.

Region 8 News will have more details as they become available.