In the quiet hours before dawn on Sunday, August 3, 2025, the peaceful streets of Hot Springs, Arkansas, were shattered by the sound of gunfire. A single, fateful shot in the 300 block of Mason Street left a man dead and a community reeling, as the Hot Springs Police Department (HSPD) now races against time to bring a suspect to justice. The victim, 43-year-old James Charles, was a familiar face in the neighborhood—a quiet man whose life was cut short in a moment of senseless violence. The suspect, 25-year-old Austin Lee Warren, remains at large, wanted for second-degree murder in a case that has gripped the Spa City with grief and urgency.

The tragedy unfolded in the early morning darkness, around 1:42 a.m., when a frantic 911 call reported shots fired on Mason Street. Moments later, another call painted a grim picture: someone was lying in a yard, possibly struck by a bullet. Hot Springs police officers rushed to the scene, their sirens cutting through the stillness of the night. What they found was heartbreaking—James Charles, gravely wounded, lying motionless in the grass. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to save him, rushing him to a nearby hospital, but despite their efforts, Charles succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a void that friends, family, and neighbors are struggling to comprehend.
As the sun rose over Hot Springs, investigators descended on the scene, combing through evidence, interviewing witnesses, and piecing together the events that led to this tragedy. Their work quickly zeroed in on Austin Lee Warren, a 25-year-old now named as the prime suspect. Authorities have issued a warrant for his arrest, charging him with second-degree murder—a crime that, under Arkansas law, reflects a reckless disregard for human life and carries a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison. But Warren has vanished, and the HSPD is now turning to the public for help in tracking him down.

The motive behind the shooting remains shrouded in mystery. Police have not disclosed whether Charles and Warren knew each other or what sparked the deadly encounter. Was it a random act of violence, a personal dispute, or something else entirely? For now, these questions linger as detectives work tirelessly to uncover the truth. “We are doing everything in our power to bring justice to Mr. Charles and his family,” an HSPD spokesperson declared, their resolve echoing through a community desperate for answers. “We will not rest until the person responsible is in custody.”

James Charles was more than a name in a news report. To those who knew him, he was a reserved yet kind presence, often seen walking the streets of his neighborhood, living a quiet life that gave no hint of the violence that would claim it. “He didn’t deserve this,” a neighbor said, their voice heavy with sorrow. “He was just trying to live his life. We’re heartbroken.” As the Charles family prepares to lay him to rest, funeral arrangements remain pending, a painful reminder of the suddenness of their loss.

The search for Austin Lee Warren has taken on an urgent tone, with police warning that he is considered armed and dangerous. “Do not approach him,” authorities have cautioned, urging anyone who spots him to call 911 immediately. For those with information, the HSPD has opened multiple channels: the Criminal Investigations Division at (501) 321-6789, the anonymous Crime Tips line at (501) 321-6742, or Garland County Crime Stoppers for those who wish to remain unnamed. Every tip, no matter how small, could be the key to bringing Warren into custody and delivering justice for James Charles.

Hot Springs, a city known for its vibrant history and close-knit community, now finds itself at a crossroads. The loss of James Charles has left an indelible mark, a reminder of the fragility of life and the ripple effects of violence. As the investigation presses forward, the Hot Springs Police Department remains steadfast, vowing to leave no stone unturned. For the people of Hot Springs, the hope is that answers will come soon, that closure will follow, and that the streets they call home will once again feel safe.

For now, a community mourns, a family grieves, and a suspect remains on the run. But in the heart of Hot Springs, the resolve to seek justice burns bright, a beacon of hope in the face of tragedy.