Pine Bluff, Arkansas, was once regarded as a peaceful town until it was suddenly thrust into chaos.

“There was pandemonium, people were running everywhere,” recalled Police Captain Shawn Davis during an episode of Oxygen’s Snapped on April 12. “We knew someone had been shot.”

The victim was 21-year-old Vanessa Bearden, a young mother with dreams of becoming a nurse. Authorities discovered her unconscious, suffering from a gunshot wound at the Sunset Village apartment complex.

“For the average resident here, becoming a victim of random violence is rare,” stated Defense Attorney Gene McKissic on Snapped. “We don’t typically experience home invasions or murders. When violence occurs, it’s usually due to personal conflict.”

How Did Vanessa Bearden Die? 

Vanessa was fondly remembered by those who knew her as generous, kind, and thoughtful.

“Everyone knew Vanessa,” her cousin Antonette Hunt shared with Snapped. “She had an unforgettable, vibrant personality.”

According to Hunt, Vanessa—a single mother of a 2-year-old and 6-month-old—had just started a new job: “She had a lot of positive things working out for her.” 

Until that summer night in June 2011.  

Vanessa’s friend Colby told police that Vanessa and Olivia Moody—who knew each other only casually—had clashed earlier that day at another apartment complex.   

Olivia had been fighting with a woman named Alisha, who was dating Olivia’s ex. At the time, Vanessa jumped into the fray, siding with Alicia.

Later that day, Vanessa and several others were hanging out back at Sunset Village where they encountered Olivia again, according to Colby. Olivia allegedly made verbal threats toward the group, then sent a neighborhood boy to summon Vanessa to meet with her. 

Vanessa brought a knife and Olivia was armed with a gun. According to Colby, Olivia shot Vanessa upon sight.

Why Did Olivia Moody Kill Vanessa Bearden? 

Though Olivia had a rough childhood, growing up with an addict mother, she was on track to become the first person in her family to graduate college. 

She was pursuing a degree in criminal justice at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff while working as a clerk for a local circuit judge.  

“Knowing Olivia’s background,” said Davis, “she does not fit the profile of a cold-blooded killer.” 

So, what happened?

During interviews, “her demeanor was, I would say, calm—nonchalant,” Davis recalled. “She admitted to the shooting but she said it was self-defense.” 

Olivia claimed she obtained a gun for protection after the earlier brawl and had invited the group to meet to de-escalate the situation. According to Olivia, the shooting was unintentional, and she had only meant to fire a warning shot after allegedly hearing Colby say, “Get her.” 

However, police were not convinced, and she was charged with capital murder. 

As Davis filled out arrest paperwork, he recalled an unsettling remark from Olivia. 

“She made the statement, ‘No, actually, it was second-degree murder,’” said Davis. “It caught me by surprise, because I have never heard anyone make a statement like that.” 

The Trial of Olivia Moody 

Vanessa’s autopsy showed she was struck by the bullet in the back of the left shoulder.  

As Davis pointed out, “It’s not self-defense if you’re hit in the back and you’re also fleeing.”

When Olivia went on trial for murder on May 16, 2012, she was offered an unexpected break: A plea deal that would reduce the charge to manslaughter. 

“She would have gotten four years probation reduced to manslaughter with the right of expungement of record,” defense attorney McKissic explained. “Had that happened, she would have been placed in a car that day with her family.” 

In a shocking move, Olivia turned it down, opting instead to take the stand. 

“She was faced with tough questions that she did not have an answer for,” Prosecutor Bryan Achorn told Snapped. “The jury deliberated and came back with a verdict of guilty on one count of second-degree murder.” 

In May 2012, Olivia was sentenced to 30 years in prison. 

“In the end, we had two families destroyed,” said Davis. “Vanessa and Olivia, they both come from rough backgrounds. They both had overcome a lot to try to be successful…this situation changed the trajectories of their futures.”

Snapped, Sundays, 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET, Oxygen