Elkins man pleads guilty to murder in Fayetteville shooting, 26 other crimes | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

FAYETTEVILLE -- Dominic Heal, a 21-year-old man from Elkins, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder along with several other charges in the Washington County Circuit Court. On Friday, he was sentenced to a total of 40 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections, with 10 years suspended, after reaching a negotiated plea agreement that encompassed 26 counts across eight different cases. These charges included various crimes related to firearms, evidence tampering, drug offenses, and multiple property crimes.

The charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on August 15, 2023, at the Foxborough Apartments. Officers, responding to reports of gunfire just before midnight, discovered a chaotic scene but no victims at the location. The victim, Aveyun Smith, had already been transported to the hospital by a family member, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Investigators found evidence such as 9mm shell casings and significant blood stains, both outside and inside the apartment linked to the incident.

Witnesses reported seeing a white minivan entering the parking lot just before the gunshots were fired. They noted a green laser light from the vehicle was aimed at Smith prior to the shooting. Heal had previously been seen with a handgun that featured a similar green laser attachment. Witness testimony indicated that prior to the incident, Heal had loaned Smith a firearm, and his anger over Smith not returning it may have contributed to the shooting.

Surveillance footage captured the white minivan leaving the scene immediately following the shooting. Later, it was found abandoned and damaged in a remote area, having been reported stolen weeks earlier. Investigators discovered evidence within the minivan that matched the shooting scene, including a bullet impact on the passenger door and a matching 9mm shell casing. Heal, when arrested, admitted to stealing the minivan and firing shots toward Smith, claiming he believed Smith had shot at the vehicle.

In addition to the murder charge, Heal's extensive criminal history included several other charges dating back to late 2021. After pleading guilty to those as well, Heal received an additional concurrent sentence of 40 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections with 10 years suspended. The case was overseen by Washington County Circuit Judge Joanna Taylor.