Our children are our most priceless treasure, and we go to great lengths to ensure their safety.
This is why the story of little Ava Ann Marie Tabor is so profoundly heartbreaking. A vibrant, loving two-year-old, her life was tragically stolen in the most unimaginable way.
Now, a 19-year-old man is in custody, after allegedly confessing to the brutal act of beating her.
This is why the story of little Ava Ann Marie Tabor is so profoundly heartbreaking. A vibrant, loving two-year-old, her life was tragically stolen in the most unimaginable way.
Now, a 19-year-old man is in custody, after allegedly confessing to the brutal act of beating her.
He was the one entrusted with babysitting little Ava.
Born on November 28, 2022, in Texarkana, Texas, Ava Ann Marie Tabor was a vibrant and joyful two-year-old. She loved to dance, help in the kitchen, and could light up any room with her radiant smile and sparkling sky-blue eyes.
Her parents, Levi Landon James Tabor and Kylie Marie Perez, loved her with all their hearts. The family had built their life in De Queen, Arkansas — but in early March, their world was torn apart.
That day, 19-year-old Wesley Davis was entrusted with babysitting Ava — but something went horribly 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 Ava became unresponsive.
He was later arrested after allegedly confessing to beating the young girl.
Ava was rushed to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, but despite the doctors’ tireless efforts, her young life could not be saved. On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Ava took her final breath, leaving behind a heartbroken family and community.
“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!” Ava’s mother, Kylie Perez, wrote on her Facebook page.
Wesley Davis was initially charged with first-degree domestic battery, but after Ava’s tragic passing on March 4, the charge was upgraded to first-degree murder.
Last Thursday, Judge Bryan Chesshir set Davis’s bond at $1 million and issued a no-contact order, prohibiting him from having any communication with the victim’s family.
Ava’s mother, Kylie Perez, shared the profound pain of losing her daughter, describing Ava as a radiant light.
“My baby did not deserve this. And he [Davis] deserves every bad thing that’s coming to him. And I will not stop until he gets it,” she said.
Sheriff Robert Gentry acknowledged the intense emotions surrounding the case, revealing that the community has been deeply shaken by Ava’s death.
“There have been death threats, and we have had threats of bodily injury and harm to Mr. Davis,” he said.
Authorities are now urging the public to allow the legal system to take its course, stressing that justice will be served through the courts.
“She didn’t deserve what happened to her, and we are going to do our best to ensure the judicial system holds accountable the one who harmed her,” Sevier County Sheriff Robert Gentry told KSLA.
In an incredible act of compassion, Ava’s family chose to donate her organs, giving others a precious chance at life.
Meanwhile, KSLA reports that arrangements have been made to honor Ava’s memory. A funeral service for Ava Ann Marie Tabor will be held on Thursday, March 13, at 2 p.m. at Chandler Funeral Home in De Queen, Arkansas.
A visitation will take place the evening before, Wednesday, March 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the same location.
I completely agree—it’s heartbreaking to think that anyone could harm an innocent child. The pain this family is going through is unimaginable. My heart goes out to them. Rest in peace, little Ava. May her memory bring comfort to those who loved her, and may the family find strength during this incredibly difficult time. 🙏💔