Bella Vista Men Wanted for Independence Shooting

Tensions are still running high in Bella Vista and Independence, with suspects in the New Year’s Eve mass shooting yet to be caught and the intended target surviving the attack. Police are intensifying their manhunt, issuing a wanted bulletin for two twenty-two-year-old men in connection with the shooting which left Keith Neal dead and injured six others. Authorities are actively searching for Dixon Caceres and Santos Chirinos, both residents of Bella Vista Village, as investigators work to piece together what led to the deadly violence. Keith Neal’s sister, Shannan Neal, says everyone knows who did the shooting and residents of Independence village claim gunmen were circling the area even a day after the shooting.

 

Shannan Neal, Sister of Deceased (File: January 2nd, 2025)

“Like yo said we just want justice because they know who did it, yo know. We know who did it because when he was on the ground there he told my little brother who did it cause he saw the person. All we want is justice and I hope we can get it.”

 

Shane Williams

“And is the person known in this community?”

 

Shannan Neal

“Yeah, very well known. Very, very well known.”

 

Shane Williams

“Is there any update on the Independence shooting? Any suspects, or any person detained?”

 

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“As it relates to that incident, there was a suspect that has been identified and he is being sought by the police.”

 

Shane Williams

“No request for the public assistance in finding him?”

 

Stacy Smith

“A wanted poster was placed out for two individuals from last week.”

 

Shane Williams

“That’s in relation to the Independence shooting?”

 

Stacy Smith

“Yes please. But its just suspects so we didn’t tie it into the specific incident but it just said, you know, police wanted person.”

 

Police are once again urging members of the public to come forward with any information that could help break this case.