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.
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.
