Prom horror as teenager Lorenzo Harrison III is shot dead outside an after-party in Arkansas - as suspect Donterious Stephens turns himself in

A prom in Arkansas ended in a tragedy when a teenager was gunned down outside an after-party in the early hours of April 21.

Lorenzo Harrison III, 18, a senior at Helena-West Helena's Central High School, was shot and killed shortly before 1am on Sunday following his high school prom.

Donterious Stephens, 19, allegedly fatally shot Harrison outside an off-campus after-party in West Helena, which was being attended by other students from the high school. 

It isn't yet clear why Stephens allegedly shot Harrison, Arkansas State Police said Stephens was a graduate of the high school.

Donterious Stephens (pictured), 19, allegedly murdered Lorenzo Harrison, 18, at an after-party for Helena-West Helena's Central High School's prom. Stephens has been charged with first-degree murder and possession of firearms

After the shooting, the Arkansas State Police's Criminal Investigation Division announced they were looking for a 'Helena man' who killed 'a teenager outside a party 'following Helena-West Helena’s Central High School (CHS) prom.'

The press release stated that the agents had identified a suspect:

'Agents have identified a suspect, Donterious Stephens, 19, of Helena, a previous graduate, who will be charged with First Degree Murder and Possession of Firearms by Certain Persons in the death of Lorenzo Harrison III, 18, a CHS senior.'

Later that same day, the authorities announced that Stephens was in the custody of the Phillips County Sherriff's Office. He is presently being held at the Phillips County jail, where he's been charged with first-degree murder and possession of firearms.

According to the initial press release, Harrison will be 'transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab, where an autopsy will determine cause and manner of death.'

Helena-West Helena's Central School District posted a statement on Facebook, which said their hearts were aching for 'the tragic loss of our beloved 12th-grade student at Central High School.'

The district extended their 'deepest sympathies extend to his grieving family, classmates, friends, and [their] entire school community impacted by this senseless act of violence.'

The statement continued: 'As we come together to mourn this heartbreaking loss, let us fortify our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and staff. In times of such profound grief, it is essential that we offer not only our empathy but also tangible support.'

The school district went on to inform students the 'crisis team' would be available at the high school the next morning 'to provide immediate counseling services for all who need it.'

'During this time of immense sorrow, let us lean on one another for strength and solace. Together, may we honor his memory and work towards healing the wounds inflicted by this tragedy.'

The principal of Helena-West Helena Central High School (pictured), where both the victim and the alleged murderer went to school, said that the school would be offering counseling services to anyone who was in need

Tony Roach, principal of Central High School, shared a letter to faculty and school staff that said: 

'It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the tragic passing of one of our 12th-grade students. The loss of a young life is always difficult to comprehend, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the student during this difficult time.

Roach explained =the school would be providing 'counseling and support services' to help students and staff 'cope with the loss.'

The principal asked members in the district to respect the privacy of the student's family and to 'refrain from speculation or sharing unconfirmed information.'

He ended by asking the community to come together in a time of loss. 

'We will continue to keep you updated as we receive more information. It is during this time, we must become one family and show support to each other.'