Old East Dallas, February 8, 2026
A confrontation in Old East Dallas resulted in the deaths of two individuals, Alyshah Punjani and Adrian Williams Jr., who were fatally stabbed. The suspect, Sergio Naffarratte, has been arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, and police are actively investigating the events that led to this tragic situation. Community concerns about violent crime persist as authorities work to address safety issues.
Dallas, Texas
February 8, 2026
Two individuals were fatally stabbed during a confrontation in Old East Dallas early Saturday morning. A 27-year-old man, Sergio Naffarratte, has been arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder in connection with the deaths of 28-year-old Alyshah Punjani and 30-year-old Adrian Williams Jr.
The incident occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. in the 400 block of N. Good Latimer Expressway. Police responded to reports of a stabbing and found both victims with fatal injuries. They were transported to a local hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Naffarratte was apprehended at the scene and is currently in custody without bond.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading to the altercation that resulted in the tragic deaths. No further details have been released at this time.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 400 block of N. Good Latimer Expressway, Old East Dallas |
| Victims | Alyshah Punjani (28) and Adrian Williams Jr. (30) |
| Suspect | Sergio Naffarratte (27) |
| Charges | Two counts of capital murder |
| Incident Time | Shortly after 1:30 a.m., February 7, 2026 |
| Current Status | Suspect in custody without bond; investigation ongoing |
Recent Related Incidents in Dallas
- December 8, 2025: A man was fatally stabbed in Old East Dallas. The suspect, Cleto Banda, 33, was arrested and charged with murder. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. Banda remains in the Dallas County jail with no bail amount set.
- October 6, 2025: Darriynn Brown, 22, pleaded guilty to the murder of 4-year-old Cash Gernon, who was kidnapped and stabbed in 2021. Brown was sentenced to life in prison.
- September 10, 2025: Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, 37, was charged with capital murder after allegedly stabbing and beheading Chandra Nagamallaiah, 50, at a Dallas motel. Cobos-Martinez has an extensive criminal record, including a one-year jail sentence for assault in 2018 and an arrest in California for allegedly attempting to carjack a woman while naked in 2017.
Background on Capital Murder Charges in Texas
In Texas, capital murder is a criminal offense that can result in the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. It involves the unlawful killing of an individual with specific aggravating factors, such as the murder of a child under 10 years old or the murder of a police officer. The state has a history of capital punishment, with executions carried out for individuals convicted of capital murder. However, the application of the death penalty has been subject to legal challenges and changes in public opinion over the years.
Recent Developments in Dallas Homicide Cases
Dallas has experienced a series of violent incidents in recent years, leading to increased concerns about public safety. The city has implemented various measures to address crime, including community outreach programs, increased police presence, and initiatives aimed at reducing gang violence. Despite these efforts, challenges remain in curbing violent crime rates. The community continues to seek solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.
Conclusion
The recent incident in Old East Dallas underscores the ongoing challenges facing the community regarding violence and public safety. It further highlights the importance of community engagement and private-sector initiatives in driving positive change and improving the quality of life for residents. Continued support for local businesses and initiatives focused on safety and economic growth can play a vital role in shaping a stronger, more resilient Dallas.
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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
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