Dallas, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Two separate fatal shootings in Dallas have left two individuals dead, prompting ongoing investigations by local authorities. The first incident occurred on Wilhurt Avenue, where a person was shot and pronounced dead at the scene. In a second incident in the Oak Lawn area, a suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of Thomas Sebastinelli. Authorities are actively investigating both cases, seeking additional information from the public to determine the circumstances surrounding these tragic events.
Dallas — Two separate fatal shootings occurred in Dallas on Tuesday, leaving two people dead and prompting ongoing investigations by local authorities. A person was shot and killed Tuesday evening in the 2600 block of Wilhurt Avenue at approximately 5:40 p.m. In a separate incident, Dallas police arrested a suspect in a shooting that occurred early Tuesday morning in the Oak Lawn area.
Immediate facts and actions
A person was shot and killed Tuesday evening in the 2600 block of Wilhurt Avenue at approximately 5:40 p.m. Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to the scene and pronounced the victim dead. The identity of the victim and the suspect has not been released by the police. It is unclear if the victim knew the shooter. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this shooting incident.
In a separate incident, Dallas police arrested a suspect in a shooting that occurred early Tuesday morning in the Oak Lawn area. Officers responded to a shooting call at about 1:20 a.m. in the 4100 block of Cedar Springs Road. The victim, identified as 48-year-old Thomas Sebastinelli, was shot and died at the scene. The suspect, 32-year-old Earnest Polk, has been arrested and is charged with murder. The motive for this shooting is still under investigation. Police are encouraging anyone with information on the shooting to contact Detective R. Kramer at 214-671-3608 or via email.
What investigators have said and next steps
Authorities have confirmed response and on-scene actions for both incidents. Dallas Fire-Rescue is recorded as having pronounced the Tuesday evening victim dead, and officers on the overnight call in the Oak Lawn area made an arrest that led to a murder charge. Detectives continue to gather evidence, interview witnesses and seek additional information from the public to clarify the circumstances and motive in both cases. The information is sourced from the Dallas Police Department and the Dallas County Jail.
Public safety and contact information
Investigators have described the two shootings as separate incidents. Members of the public with information specifically about the Oak Lawn shooting are asked to contact Detective R. Kramer at 214-671-3608 or by email. No additional contact points were released for the Wilhurt Avenue incident; inquiries are being handled by the investigative unit of the Dallas Police Department. Both incidents remain under active investigation.
Context and procedural details
Police have not released wider details about possible motives, prior relationships between victims and suspects, or whether the incidents are connected to other criminal activity. For the Wilhurt Avenue shooting, the identity of the victim and the suspect has not been released by the police. For the Oak Lawn case, officials identified the victim and the arrested suspect by name and age: the victim, identified as 48-year-old Thomas Sebastinelli, and the suspect, 32-year-old Earnest Polk, who has been charged with murder.
Both cases will proceed through standard investigative and legal processes. Any additional charges, evidence releases or public updates will come from the Dallas Police Department or the Dallas County Jail as they coordinate with prosecutors and medical examiners. The department has asked anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist in building a clearer record of events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the first shooting occur?
A person was shot and killed Tuesday evening in the 2600 block of Wilhurt Avenue at approximately 5:40 p.m.
Who responded to the scene of the Wilhurt Avenue shooting?
Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to the scene and pronounced the victim dead.
Have police released the identity of the Wilhurt Avenue victim or suspect?
The identity of the victim and the suspect has not been released by the police.
Is it known whether the Wilhurt Avenue victim knew the shooter?
It is unclear if the victim knew the shooter.
Are police investigating the Wilhurt Avenue shooting?
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this shooting incident.
Where and when did the Oak Lawn shooting occur?
Officers responded to a shooting call at about 1:20 a.m. in the 4100 block of Cedar Springs Road.
Who was the victim in the Oak Lawn shooting?
The victim, identified as 48-year-old Thomas Sebastinelli, was shot and died at the scene.
Who was arrested in the Oak Lawn shooting?
The suspect, 32-year-old Earnest Polk, has been arrested and is charged with murder.
Is the motive known for the Oak Lawn shooting?
The motive for this shooting is still under investigation.
How can people provide information about the Oak Lawn shooting?
Police are encouraging anyone with information on the shooting to contact Detective R. Kramer at 214-671-3608 or via email.
What are the sources for this information?
The information is sourced from the Dallas Police Department and the Dallas County Jail.
| Incident | Location | Time | Victim | Suspect / Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilhurt Avenue shooting | 2600 block of Wilhurt Avenue | approximately 5:40 p.m. | Pronounced dead at scene | Identity of the victim and the suspect has not been released by the police |
| Oak Lawn shooting | 4100 block of Cedar Springs Road | about 1:20 a.m. | 48-year-old Thomas Sebastinelli | 32-year-old Earnest Polk — arrested and charged with murder |
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Additional Resources
- Fox 4 News
- Wikipedia: Dallas
- WFAA
- Google Search: Dallas shootings
- Dallas News
- Google Scholar: Dallas shooting
- Fox 4 News – South Dallas Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas
- Dallas News – Investigating Fatal Shooting
- Google News: Dallas crime
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.
