BENTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — The trial has ended for a Garfield man accused of driving drunk and killing 14-year-old Gavin Bivens, who was riding his motorbike in Garfield on July 27, 2024.

Gregory Payne, 47, was originally charged with negligent homicide , leaving the scene of an accident involving death, and driving while intoxicated. Payne pleaded not guilty to those charges in January 2025.

The negligent homicide charge was dropped less than a week before his trial began on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. Attorneys could not share why the charge was dropped due to a gag order that has been in place since May 15, 2025.

A jury found Payne guilty of leaving the scene of an accident involving death and driving while intoxicated on Sept. 16. He will be sentenced on Sept. 17.

Gavin's mother

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