Texas Woman Fatally Shot Outside PetSmart After Dispute Over Holding a Door, Arrest Affidavit Reveals Shocking Details
DALLAS, TX — What began as a seemingly minor act of perceived discourtesy outside a Dallas-area shopping center escalated into a deadly altercation, ending in the fatal shooting of a 41-year-old mother. New details from an arrest affidavit reveal how a verbal dispute over a simple door gesture tragically spiraled into violence and death.
The incident occurred around 1:00 p.m. on October 7, 2025, in the 3500 block of West Wheatland Road in Dallas, near a shopping plaza that includes PetSmart and Five Below. According to the Dallas Police Department, Cecilia Simpson, 41, was shot multiple times in the parking lot. She was rushed to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
The suspected shooter, 22-year-old Keona Zachyua Hampton, has been arrested and booked into the Dallas County Jail on charges related to Simpson’s murder. Her bond has not yet been set.
Timeline of Events: A Door Held, A Thank You Not Given
According to the arrest affidavit and witness accounts, Simpson and her 20-year-old daughter were leaving the Five Below store when Simpson held the door open for Hampton. Hampton allegedly walked through without acknowledging or thanking Simpson.
Simpson reportedly became upset, and a verbal altercation ensued between the two women.
Simpson and her daughter then left the scene and drove to PetSmart — another store within the same shopping center. But according to the affidavit, Hampton followed them on foot. When Simpson and her daughter entered PetSmart, they told employees that a woman was following and harassing them.
Hampton allegedly entered the store shortly after and began arguing with Simpson’s daughter. Store employees asked both parties to leave after tensions escalated.
The Confrontation Turns Fatal
Once outside, as Simpson and her daughter were getting into their car, Hampton allegedly threw a drink bottle at their vehicle, reigniting the altercation.
Simpson got out of the vehicle and approached Hampton. The two women began arguing once again, and the dispute turned physical. According to the affidavit and the victim’s daughter’s statement, Simpson struck Hampton several times and shouted at her to “leave them alone.”
The daughter reportedly stepped away from the fight — and that’s when tragedy struck.
Hampton allegedly pulled out a black and silver handgun and fired three shots at Simpson at close range. Simpson collapsed in the parking lot, mortally wounded.
Caught on Camera: Video Evidence Ties Hampton to Shooting
Police later obtained surveillance video from the area and cell phone footage from a bystander. The footage reportedly shows the confrontation and the moment when Hampton pulled a gun and fired at Simpson. The video also allegedly shows Hampton walking away from Simpson’s body, still holding the weapon.
Hampton was later seen leaving the scene in a black Ford Five Hundred, which investigators tracked to a residential address linked to the registered owner. Police began undercover surveillance and observed Hampton on the balcony of an apartment, wearing the same clothes she had on during the incident.
At 7:45 p.m. the same evening, officers conducted a traffic stop on the black Ford sedan. Hampton was taken into custody without incident and transported to Dallas Police Headquarters for questioning.
Suspect Confesses to Shooting
During a police interview, Hampton waived her Miranda rights and spoke with detectives. She admitted to the altercation, acknowledging she had followed Simpson and her daughter, entered and exited PetSmart twice, threw a drink bottle at their car, and then fought with Simpson.
According to the affidavit, Hampton told investigators she pulled the gun and shot Simpson when she believed Simpson’s daughter was “getting involved” in the fight. She claimed she was trying to get Simpson away from her.
Despite her statements, police maintain that Simpson was unarmed and that Hampton escalated the situation to deadly violence.
Community Shocked by Sudden Violence
The fatal shooting has left residents of the Dallas community reeling — not only because of the senseless loss of life but because of how quickly the situation unraveled over a minor disagreement.
“It’s hard to comprehend,” said a witness who works at a nearby store. “Over not saying thank you? That’s what started it? Now a mother is gone.”
Cecilia Simpson is remembered by friends and neighbors as a devoted mother, a warm and kind-hearted woman, and someone who never hesitated to speak her mind. Her daughter, who witnessed the entire confrontation, is said to be traumatized and grieving.
“She was just trying to teach someone basic respect,” a family friend said. “And now she’s gone.”
Legal Proceedings to Follow
Keona Zachyua Hampton remains in Dallas County Jail, where she is facing murder charges. Her first court appearance is expected in the coming days. The District Attorney’s Office has not yet announced whether it will seek additional charges or enhancements related to the use of a firearm.
Meanwhile, the investigation remains ongoing, with Dallas Police asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional video footage to come forward.
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