Our children are our greatest treasure, and we do everything to keep them safe.
Thatโs why the story of little Ava Ann Marie Tabor is so heartbreaking. A joyful, loving two-year-old, her life was taken in the most horrific way.
Now, a 19-year-old man is in custody โ after reportedly confessing to beating her.
Was babysitting Ava
Little Ava Ann Marie Tabor, born on November 28, 2022, in Texarkana, Texas, was a bright and joyful two-year-old. She loved to dance, help in the kitchen, and filled every room with her radiant smile and sky-blue eyes.
Her parents, Levi Landon James Tabor and Kylie Marie Perez, adored her more than anything. The family built their life in De Queen, Arkansas โ but in early March, their world was shattered.
That day, 19-year-old Wesley Davis was babysitting Ava โ but something went terribly wrong.
According to Sevier County Sheriff Robert Gentry, Davis was watching her at a home in Lockesburg, Arkansas, when he called for medical help after she became unresponsive.
He was later taken into custody after reportedly confessing to beating Ava.
Momโs emotional farewell
Ava was rushed to Arkansas Childrenโs Hospital in Little Rock, but despite the doctorsโ best efforts, her young life could not be saved. On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Ava took her final breath, leaving behind a grief-stricken family and community.
โOur very last time holding our babyโฆ 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 carโฆ Iโll never get to do that again. No more Ava kisses, no more hearing โmomma cโmon,โ no more baby lovesโฆ 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 MOMMYโS BABY. NEVER FORGOTTEN,!โ Avaโs mother, Kylie Perez, wrote on herย Facebook page.
Wesley Davis was first charged with first-degree domestic battery, but after Avaโs passing on March 4, the charge was elevated to first-degree murder.
Last Thursday, the Judge Bryan Chesshir set Davisโs bond at $1 million and issued a no-contact order preventing him from reaching the victimโs family.
Avaโs mother, Kylie Perez, described her daughter as a radiant light.
โMy baby did not deserve this. And he [Davis] deserves every bad thing thatโs coming to him. And I will not stop until he gets it.โ
There have been death threats
Sheriff Robert Gentry acknowledged the deep impact this case has had on the community, with emotions running high in the wake of Avaโs tragic death.
โThere have been death threats, and we have had threats of bodily injuries and harm to Mr. Davis,โ he said.
Authorities are now urging the public to let the legal system take its course, emphasizing that justice will be served through the courts.
โShe didnโt deserve what happened to her, and we are going to do our best to see that the judicial system takes care of the one that harmed her,โ Sevier County Sheriff Robert Gentry toldย KSLA.
In a final act of kindness, Avaโs family chose to donate her organs, giving others a chance at life.
Meanwhile, KSLA reports that arrangements have been made to honor the little girlโs memory. A funeral service for Ava Ann Marie Tabor will take place on Thursday, March 13, at 2 p.m. at Chandler Funeral Home in De Queen, Arkansas.
A visitation will be held the evening before, on Wednesday, March 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the same location.
How in the world could anyone hurt a child? My heart breaks for this family! Rip little angel and prayers for the family!
