Suspect ID’d, victim’s name released in Southland shooting

Shooter, man killed not from West Memphis area, say officials

By Ralph Hardin

news@theeveningtimes.com

One week after a fatal shooting in the parking lot of one of the regions most popular destinations, investigators are finally able to share some key details about the violent incident.

West Memphis Police Department officials have released the names of both the shooter and his victim in the deadly shooting outside Southland on the morning of Friday, Nov. 8. The incident, which did not take place inside the casino, left Orlando Garza dead from a fatal gunshot wound. Suspected of killing Garza is a man by the name of Travis Boyd Information provided by the casino's director of communications revealed that the shooting unfolded in the casino’s parking lot but did not speculate on a motive.

'The safety and security of our guests and team members is our top priority,' Glen White said in a statement The casino has confirmed the existence of a comprehensive security program which includes a weapons detection system at every entrance. This system is designed to prevent weapons from entering the building.

“We want to share that our team and guests are safe following the recent, very isolated incident early Friday morning at our casino,” said White.. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone af-

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The names of both the shooter and his victim in last week’s fatal shooting outside of Southland Casino Hotel have been released. The shooter remains at large.

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fected.”

There is no evidence that the shooter had a firearm inside the casino at any time.

“We’re proud that our safety protocols – including advanced weapons detection systems, extensive surveillance and thorough guest identification measures – ensured that no weapons entered our premises,” said White. “These systems also played a critical role in assisting law enforcement with the necessary information for a swift and thorough investigation.”

Security contacted law enforcement immediately after the incident occurred, according to White.

“Our security team immediately contacted West Memphis police after the isolated incident early this morning in the parking lot outside the casino,' he said.

Surveillance video and other relevant information have been turned over to assist in the ongoing investigation.

WMPD said this was an isolated shooting and that nvestigators are working to determine Boyd’s whereabouts. Anyone with any information about this incident is urged to contact the West Memphis Police Department or Crittenden County Crime Stoppers at (870) 732-4444. All callers will remain confidential.