The Pine Bluff Police Department is actively searching for a man wanted in connection with the death of an infant earlier this year, while a co-defendant remains in custody.
Police are looking for 36-year-old Timothy Martin, who faces charges of first-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a minor. Officials said 28-year-old Gabrielle Ayers, who is facing the same charges, is currently being held on a $100,000 bond.
Deltaplex News first reported Tuesday that Ayers had been arrested and was being held on bond in connection with the case.
The charges stem from a Jan. 3, 2025, incident at a residence shared by Ayers and Martin. According to court records, officers responded to the home just after 7 a.m. and observed emergency responders performing CPR on the infant as the child was being transported to an ambulance.
Martin told investigators he had returned home around 7 a.m. and found the child unresponsive. He said he called 911 and attempted CPR until first responders arrived.
The infant was transported to Jefferson Regional Medical Center, where the child was later pronounced dead. Medical personnel reported the infant’s body temperature was 88 degrees upon arrival.
Further investigation revealed additional concerns. On Jan. 8, a Community Corrections agent contacted authorities, reporting the child had visible bruising and swollen eyes after returning from a Christmas visit at Martin’s father’s home. Investigators also received a preliminary report from the state medical examiner indicating the infant suffered severe injuries, including a skull fracture, subdural hemorrhage and trauma to the neck and spinal column.
During interviews with investigators, Martin admitted to striking the infant in the face while removing the child from a car seat on Dec. 21, 2024. Authorities said neither Martin nor Ayers sought medical attention for the child following the incident.
Martin remains at large and is also wanted on multiple parole violations tied to previous convictions, including drug and firearm charges, second-degree domestic battery and fleeing. Officials said he also has additional warrants from Independence County and the Bald Knob Police Department.
Ayers made her first court appearance April 20, where she was assigned a public defender.
Authorities are urging anyone with information on Martin’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement.
