Two Arrested in Blanton Street Murder in Texarkana

Two Arrested in Connection With Fatal Shooting of 19-Year-Old on Blanton Street

Texarkana Texas Police have arrested two people in connection with the Monday night murder of 19-year-old Fran'Davion Smith, who was shot multiple times while walking on Blanton Street.

Detectives identified 32-year-old Willie Fobbs (pictured above) as the suspected shooter after reviewing surveillance video from the area and following up on leads developed by patrol officers. Investigators also recovered the vehicle and firearm believed to have been used in the killing.

Investigators Say Shooting Was Random

Investigators believe Fobbs was upset about an unrelated matter when he encountered Smith walking down Blanton Street. Fobbs allegedly fired several shots as Smith ran into his front yard, striking him multiple times. Smith died at the scene before officers arrived.

Police say they found no known connection between Smith and either suspect.

Detectives also identified 28-year-old Ravyn Betts as the person who had been driving Fobbs around the Beverly neighborhood while he looked for someone to confront.

According to investigators, Betts knew Fobbs was armed and continued staying with him at an area hotel for more than a day after the shooting without contacting police.

Betts was arrested Thursday while walking near an apartment complex on College Drive.

Second Suspect Arrested Friday Morning

Police continued monitoring several locations where Fobbs was known to spend time. At approximately 9 AM Friday, detectives spotted him leaving an apartment complex on North Stateline Avenue.

Officers conducted a traffic stop and arrested him without incident.

Both Fobbs and Betts have been charged with murder and booked into the Bi-State Jail.

Chief Kevin Schutte praised detectives for working around the clock over the past four days to develop leads and identify those responsible.

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Although the arrests cannot undo the loss or ease the pain experienced by Smith's family and friends, Schutte said investigators hope knowing those responsible are in custody will provide some measure of peace.

Both suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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