Our children are our most precious gifts, and we do everything in our power to keep them safe. That is what makes the tragic story of little Ava Ann Marie Tabor so incredibly heartbreaking. At just two years old, she was a bright and joyful child who brought happiness to everyone around her. Her life was taken in the most horrific way, leaving her family and community in unimaginable grief.
Ava was born on November 28, 2022, in Texarkana, Texas. From the moment she entered the world, she was full of life. She loved to dance, help in the kitchen, and had an infectious smile that could brighten any room. Her big sky-blue eyes held a sense of wonder, and she was adored by her parents, Levi Landon James Tabor and Kylie Marie Perez. The family had built a life together in De Queen, Arkansas, where Ava grew up surrounded by love.
But in early March, that love was shattered by an unthinkable act. On that fateful day, 19-year-old Wesley Davis was babysitting Ava at a home in Lockesburg, Arkansas. At some point, something went terribly wrong. Davis made a call for medical assistance after Ava became unresponsive. By the time first responders arrived, it was clear that she was in critical condition.
Sevier County Sheriff Robert Gentry later confirmed that Davis had been arrested after reportedly confessing to beating Ava. The news sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many in disbelief that such a horrific act could be committed against an innocent child.
Ava was rushed to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, where doctors fought tirelessly to save her life. Tragically, despite their best efforts, she could not be saved. On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Ava took her final breath, leaving behind devastated loved ones who had never imagined they would have to say goodbye to her so soon.
Her mother, Kylie Perez, shared an emotional farewell on Facebook, expressing the depths of her grief and anger. She described the final moments of holding her child, reflecting on the daily joys she had shared with Ava—the bedtime routines, the car rides filled with singing, and the countless kisses.
“Our very last time holding our baby… After two years of putting you to bed, making your bottles, playing with you, waking you up, taking you bye-bye, and listening to your mini concerts in the car… I’ll never get to do that again. No more Ava kisses, no more hearing ‘momma c’mon,’ no more baby loves… WESLEY DAVIS, you took this from me. YOU TOOK MY WORLD. YOU TOOK EVERYTHING I LIVED FOR. I will not stop until you get what you deserve. I LOVE YOU, AVA ANN MARIE TABOR. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MOMMY’S BABY. NEVER FORGOTTEN!”
In the wake of Ava’s passing, authorities elevated Davis’s initial charge of first-degree domestic battery to first-degree murder. On Thursday, Judge Bryan Chesshir set his bond at $1 million and issued a no-contact order preventing him from reaching out to the victim’s family.
Kylie Perez continues to fight for justice for her daughter, determined to ensure that Davis is held accountable for his actions. “My baby did not deserve this,” she said in a heartbreaking statement. “And he [Davis] deserves every bad thing that’s coming to him. And I will not stop until he gets it.”
The case has had a profound impact on the local community, with emotions running high as people struggle to comprehend how such a tragedy could have happened. Sheriff Robert Gentry acknowledged the deep anger and sorrow that many are feeling, revealing that Davis has received multiple death threats. “There have been death threats, and we have had threats of bodily injuries and harm to Mr. Davis,” he stated.
Authorities are now urging the public to allow the legal system to take its course, assuring the community that justice will be served through the courts. “She didn’t deserve what happened to her, and we are going to do our best to see that the judicial system takes care of the one that harmed her,” Sheriff Gentry said in an interview with KSLA.
In a final act of kindness, Ava’s family made the decision to donate her organs, ensuring that her life would help others in need. While they have lost their beloved daughter far too soon, they hope that her legacy will live on through the lives she has saved.
To honor Ava’s memory, arrangements have been made for a funeral service on Thursday, March 13, at 2 p.m. at Chandler Funeral Home in De Queen, Arkansas. A visitation will be held the evening before, on Wednesday, March 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the same location.
The pain of losing a child is unimaginable, and no words can ease the heartbreak felt by Ava’s family. The tragedy of her loss serves as a painful reminder of the importance of protecting our children. As her family grieves, the community mourns alongside them, standing in solidarity as they seek justice for their precious little girl.
How anyone could hurt an innocent child is beyond comprehension. Ava Ann Marie Tabor deserved a life filled with love, laughter, and happiness. May she rest in peace, and may her family find strength in the memories they shared with her.