DALLAS, Texas (October 8, 2025) — A brief disagreement outside a Dallas PetSmart turned into a fatal encounter on Tuesday afternoon, leaving one woman dead and another behind bars. Police say 22-year-old Keona Zachyua Hampton has been arrested and charged with murder following what investigators are calling a senseless act of violence that began with a minor dispute.
According to the Dallas Police Department, the confrontation began around 3 p.m. at the PetSmart located near Northwest Highway and Skillman Street. Witnesses reported that an argument started inside the store when one woman allegedly failed to say “thank you” during a brief exchange — an oversight that quickly escalated into a heated confrontation.
As tensions grew, both women exited the store, continuing their argument into the parking lot. Authorities say that’s when Hampton allegedly retrieved a firearm from her vehicle and opened fire, striking the other woman multiple times.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes, and the victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where she later passed away from her injuries. Her identity has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
Hampton was detained at the scene without incident and later charged with murder. She was booked into the Dallas County Jail, where she remains in custody as detectives continue to investigate.
Several witnesses described the shooting as both shocking and preventable. “It all happened so fast,” said one shopper. “They were arguing one minute, and the next, there were gunshots. Everyone was running for safety.”
Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses as part of their ongoing inquiry. Police have also urged anyone with additional information to come forward.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion across Dallas about the dangers of impulsive violence and the tragic consequences of minor disputes turning deadly. Community leaders expressed sorrow and frustration over the loss, calling for renewed efforts to promote calm and conflict resolution.
“This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call,” said a local advocate. “A small misunderstanding should never lead to gunfire. We must find better ways to handle anger and resolve differences before they destroy more lives.”
As the investigation continues, The Dallas community is left to grapple with the heartbreaking reality that a moment of rage has ended in irreversible loss — one life taken, another forever changed.
Authorities are expected to release additional details, including the victim’s name and upcoming court dates for Keona Zachyua Hampton, as the case develops.