Man, 21, is charged after shooting woman during his son's birthday

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A man has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting a woman dead at a birthday party for his two-year-old son at a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant in Little Rock.

Marlon Marbley Jr., 21, surrendered to detectives on Monday after an arrest warrant was issued for the shooting which took place at around 8pm the night before.

Police said Marbley and the victim, 32-year-old Christina Clay, got into a dispute at his toddler's party and had stepped outside the restaurant to have a smoke and try to diffuse the tension. 

© Provided by Daily MailMarlon Marbley Jr., 21, pictured, surrendered to detectives on Monday after an arrest warrant was issued for the shooting which took place at around 8pm the night before

But investigators say Marbley started arguing with Clay and pulled out a semi-automatic pistol which he pointed at the woman. 

Marbley's friends and relatives tried to push him away and tell him to leave but, as Clay began heading back inside the restaurant, Marbley ran towards her and fired several rounds from a few feet away, KARK reported.

Detectives said the suspect sped away in a car, leaving Clay on the ground covered in gunshot wounds.

Paramedics and police arrived to find Clay lying dead at the front doors of the Chuck E. Cheese, while customers and children were still inside.

Marbley faces one count of capital murder. 

He was being held at the Pulaski County Jail. 

© Provided by Daily MailA crime scene outside the restaurant in North Little Rock on Sunday night

© Provided by Daily MailAn ambulance at the scene. Clay had died by the time paramedics arrived