Our children are the most precious gift we have, and we do everything in our power to protect them. That’s why the heartbreaking story of Ava Ann Marie Tabor is so devastating. A happy, loving two-year-old girl, her life was tragically cut short in an unimaginable way.

Now, a 19-year-old man is in custody after allegedly confessing to hurting her.

Ava’s Joyful Spirit

Born on November 28, 2022, in Texarkana, Texas, Ava Ann Marie Tabor was a vibrant two-year-old who loved to dance, assist in the kitchen, and brighten every room with her infectious smile and sparkling blue eyes. Her parents, Levi Landon James Tabor and Kylie Marie Perez, cherished her deeply. The family lived in De Queen, Arkansas, where they built a life together. But in early March, everything changed.

Tragic Events Unfold

On that fateful day, Ava was being cared for by 19-year-old Wesley Davis, who was babysitting her at a home in Lockesburg, Arkansas. According to Sevier County Sheriff Robert Gentry, Davis called for medical help when Ava became unresponsive. She was rushed to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, but despite the doctors’ best efforts, Ava passed away on March 4, 2025, leaving her family and the entire community heartbroken.

A Mother’s Painful Farewell

Ava’s mother, Kylie Perez, expressed her grief and anger in an emotional post on social media, sharing her final moments with her daughter. “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,” Kylie wrote. “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!”

Initially charged with first-degree domestic battery, Wesley Davis’s charge was upgraded to first-degree murder following Ava’s death. A judge later set Davis’s bond at $1 million and issued a no-contact order, preventing him from having any communication with the victim’s family.

Seeking Justice for Ava

Kylie Perez, Ava’s mother, described her daughter as a beautiful and radiant child who did not deserve what happened to her. “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, expressing her determination to seek justice for her little girl.

The case has deeply impacted the community, with emotions running high in the wake of Ava’s tragic death. Sevier County Sheriff Robert Gentry acknowledged the intensity of the situation, revealing that there have been threats of harm and even death threats directed at Davis. Authorities have urged the public to allow the legal system to handle the case, emphasizing 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 see that the judicial system takes care of the one that harmed her,” Sheriff Gentry told KSLA.

A Final Act of Kindness

In a final act of compassion, Ava’s family made the decision to donate her organs, giving others the chance at life. This selfless act has been seen as a small comfort in the midst of their unimaginable grief.

Meanwhile, plans 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, on Wednesday, March 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the same location.

Ava’s tragic death has left a lasting impact on her family, friends, and the community. As they say their final goodbyes, the pain of losing a child is unimaginable. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tabor family as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, little Ava. You will never be forgotten.