Pine Bluff, Arkansas – A months-long investigation into the death of a two-month-old infant in Pine Bluff has led to the arrest and charging of two individuals, as authorities say new evidence revealed a pattern of abuse that ultimately ended in tragedy.
The case began on the morning of January 3, 2025, when Pine Bluff Police Department officers responded to a call involving an unresponsive infant. When officers arrived at the scene, emergency responders with EASi ambulance service were already working to save the child, performing CPR as they prepared to transport the infant to Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Despite those efforts, the child was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Detectives quickly began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. The infant’s body was sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for an autopsy, a step that would later provide critical answers.
Investigation reveals abuse and leads to homicide charges
As the investigation unfolded, authorities determined that the child had suffered ongoing physical abuse. According to investigators, Timothy Martin was responsible for the abuse, and officials say the child’s mother, Gabrielle Ayers, was aware of the harm being inflicted. Despite this, neither individual sought medical care for the infant.
The autopsy findings confirmed the severity of the situation. The cause of death was determined to be craniocerebral trauma, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide. These findings shifted the case from a medical emergency to a criminal investigation with serious implications.
On April 13, 2026, after reviewing the evidence gathered by investigators, Jefferson County prosecutors announced that both Ayers and Martin would be charged with Murder in the 1st Degree. The decision marked a major development in the case, reflecting the findings that the infant’s death was the result of deliberate harm.
Authorities moved quickly to locate both individuals. On April 19, 2026, Gabrielle Ayers was found and taken into custody without incident. She was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on charges of Murder in the 1st Degree and Permitting the Abuse of a Minor. Her bond was set at $100,000.
Efforts to locate Timothy Martin continued until April 21, 2026, when detectives received a tip about his whereabouts. That information led law enforcement to the Mabelvale area, where U.S. Marshals, along with officers from the Little Rock Police Department, located and arrested Martin without incident. He was transported back to Jefferson County and booked on a charge of Murder in the 1st Degree. His bond was also set at $100,000.
Officials credited the public for playing a role in the investigation, noting that tips helped lead to Martin’s capture. They also acknowledged the assistance of federal and local agencies involved in the arrest.
The case remains a deeply troubling example of how abuse can go undetected until it is too late. Authorities say the investigation highlights the importance of reporting suspected abuse and seeking help when warning signs appear.
