Dallas, October 11, 2025
News Summary
A woman was shot and killed outside a Five Below store in Dallas during a quarrel that escalated after the suspect failed to thank her for holding the door. The victim’s daughter witnessed the incident, which ended with the suspect fleeing but later apprehended by police. Investigations are ongoing, and the suspect is facing murder charges.
Dallas — A 41-year-old woman named Cecilia Simpson was shot and killed in front of her daughter outside a Five Below store in Dallas. The fatal shooting happened after a verbal dispute that began when the suspect allegedly did not thank Simpson for holding a door open. Authorities say the suspect was arrested later the same day and has been booked into jail pending further legal action.
What happened
The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 7, at approximately 1 p.m. in the 3600 block of West Wheatland Road in the Oak Cliff area. According to police accounts, the suspect, identified as 22-year-old Keona Hampton, allegedly did not thank Simpson for holding the door open, leading to an argument. Following the initial confrontation at the Five Below store, Simpson and her daughter left for a nearby PetSmart with Hampton reportedly following them.
Sequence of events and evidence collected
Inside PetSmart, Simpson and a witness informed store employees that they were being followed by Hampton. Police reports indicate Hampton entered PetSmart and resumed the verbal dispute with the witness before leaving the store. After exiting, Hampton threw a drink bottle at Simpson’s vehicle, prompting Simpson to exit her car and confront her again.
A physical altercation then began between Simpson and Hampton, during which a witness attempted to assist Simpson. Authorities report that Hampton produced a firearm, described in reports as a black and silver handgun, and fired three shots, striking Simpson multiple times. Simpson collapsed from her injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Immediate aftermath and witness accounts
Witnesses on the scene described chaotic moments as Simpson’s daughter watched the confrontation unfold. An ER nurse who witnessed the aftermath stated that Simpson’s daughter saw the entire incident unfold. Hampton fled the scene immediately after the shooting but was arrested later that day using license plate information provided to law enforcement.
Suspect custody and statements
Police took Hampton into custody the same day of the shooting after tracing the vehicle’s license plate. During police interrogation, Hampton claimed she fired the gun in self-defense. Hampton has been booked into the Dallas County Jail facing a murder charge, with no bond set as of Friday.
Investigation status and public appeal
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are seeking any additional information related to the case. Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses, review surveillance footage from the retail locations, and process physical evidence recovered at the scene.
Context and location
The shooting took place in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas in the 3600 block of West Wheatland Road at around midday on a Tuesday. The locations named in the investigation include a Five Below retail store and a nearby PetSmart where part of the incident occurred and where employees were alerted by Simpson and a witness that they were being followed.
What authorities have confirmed
- The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Keona Hampton, allegedly did not thank Simpson for holding the door open, leading to an argument.
- Hampton fled the scene immediately after the shooting but was arrested later that day using license plate information.
- During police interrogation, Hampton claimed she fired the gun in self-defense.
- Hampton has been booked into the Dallas County Jail facing a murder charge, with no bond set as of Friday.
- The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are seeking any additional information related to the case.
Next steps
Police continue to collect evidence and speak with witnesses. Authorities encourage anyone with relevant video, photos, or information about the events at either retail location to contact investigators to assist with the ongoing inquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was shot and killed?
A 41-year-old woman named Cecilia Simpson was shot and killed in front of her daughter outside a Five Below store in Dallas.
When and where did the shooting occur?
The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 7, at approximately 1 p.m. in the 3600 block of West Wheatland Road in the Oak Cliff area.
What started the dispute?
The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Keona Hampton, allegedly did not thank Simpson for holding the door open, leading to an argument.
What happened after the argument at Five Below?
Following the confrontation at the Five Below store, Simpson and her daughter left for a nearby PetSmart with Hampton reportedly following them.
Did anyone at PetSmart notice what was happening?
Inside PetSmart, Simpson and a witness informed store employees that they were being followed by Hampton.
How did the shooting occur?
Hampton pulled out a black and silver handgun and fired three shots, hitting Simpson multiple times.
What happened to the suspect?
Hampton fled the scene immediately after the shooting but was arrested later that day using license plate information.
What did the suspect tell police?
During police interrogation, Hampton claimed she fired the gun in self-defense.
What is the suspect’s current legal status?
Hampton has been booked into the Dallas County Jail facing a murder charge, with no bond set as of Friday.
Did anyone witness the event?
An ER nurse who witnessed the aftermath stated that Simpson’s daughter saw the entire incident unfold.
Is the investigation finished?
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are seeking any additional information related to the case.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victim | Cecilia Simpson, 41 years old |
| Suspect | Keona Hampton, 22 years old |
| Date and time | Tuesday, October 7, at approximately 1 p.m. |
| Location | 3600 block of West Wheatland Road, Oak Cliff, Dallas (Five Below and nearby PetSmart) |
| Weapon reported | Black and silver handgun; three shots fired |
| Legal status | Booked into the Dallas County Jail facing a murder charge, with no bond set as of Friday |
| Investigation | Ongoing; authorities are seeking additional information |
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Additional Resources
- NBC DFW: Woman Dies Shot in Dallas Shopping Center Parking Lot
- Google Search: Argument Leading to Shooting Dallas
- ABC News: Dispute at Dallas Store Led to Deadly Shooting
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- CBS News: Dallas Woman Murder Charge in Dispute at PetSmart Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Legal Defenses
- Dallas News: Affidavit on Fatal Dallas PetSmart Shooting
- Google Search: Dallas Shooting Investigation
- Dallas Express: Dallas Police Investigate Fatal Shooting Outside PetSmart
- Google News: Dallas Shooting October 2023
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
