A weekend shooting in Ferris, a small community located about 20 miles south of downtown Dallas, has left a 17-year-old dead and another teen in the hospital. The tragic incident unfolded on a Saturday afternoon, as two groups of teenagers were playing basketball in a neighborhood park. What was meant to be a peaceful day quickly turned into chaos as gunfire erupted, shaking the community to its core.
A Quiet Afternoon Shattered by Gunfire
It was a typical afternoon in Ferris when the shooting took place, with families and children enjoying the warm weather. According to witnesses, a group of young people was playing basketball at Shaw Creek Community Park when another group approached them. This altercation had been brewing for some time, as the two groups reportedly had an ongoing dispute. Suddenly, the situation escalated into violence, and gunshots rang out.
The first shots were captured on home surveillance footage from a nearby residence on Donna Drive. In the footage, three rapid gunshots could be heard, followed by a series of seven more shots moments later. The sound of the gunfire echoed through the neighborhood, sending shockwaves through the community. Bobby Harris, a local resident, recounted hearing the shots from his home. His wife, alarmed by the noise, rushed outside to check on their 12-year-old grandson, who was fortunately not in the area at the time. The proximity of the gunfire to their home left them shaken and fearful for the safety of their loved ones.
Teenager Killed in the Crossfire
The violence that erupted during the dispute between the two groups resulted in the tragic death of 17-year-old Sir Robert Wesley Dixon. According to the Ferris Police Department, Dixon was shot in the neck by a juvenile, who has since been taken into custody. What made the situation even more complex was the fact that Dixon himself was armed and had fired his own gun during the altercation. After the initial shooting, an adult, whose identity has not been publicly revealed, reportedly grabbed one of the firearms and shot toward the juvenile who had allegedly fired the first shot. In the chaos, a second juvenile was also hit and later taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
The police are currently investigating the incident, and while two people have been arrested, authorities expect to make more arrests in the coming days as they continue to identify the individuals involved. The shooting has deeply affected the community, with many locals expressing shock and disbelief that such a violent event occurred in their otherwise quiet neighborhood.
Authorities Search for Additional Suspects
The Ferris Police Department is actively working to identify and locate all individuals involved in the shooting. Two people are currently in custody: the juvenile who allegedly fired the fatal shot and an adult who is accused of firing back. The authorities are also searching for a juvenile female who is believed to have supplied one of the guns used in the shooting. The name and age of this individual have not been released due to her status as a minor. The city has also issued an arrest warrant for her.
In addition to the ongoing search for more suspects, the Ferris Police Department has released the name and image of Juliana Jaslyn Vargas, a juvenile who is accused of tampering with evidence. Vargas allegedly interfered with one of the guns involved in the shooting. Authorities have urged those with information to come forward, calling for the individuals involved to “do the right thing” and turn themselves in.
Surveillance Footage Aids Investigation
One significant aspect of this case is the presence of surveillance cameras in Shaw Creek Community Park, which have been instrumental in identifying some of the individuals involved in the shooting. While the footage has not been made public, officials have confirmed that it has been critical in advancing the investigation. The surveillance video is expected to help law enforcement identify and apprehend additional suspects, as investigators piece together the events leading up to the deadly shooting.
A Community in Mourning
The shooting has left the Ferris community devastated. Many locals have expressed their sadness over the loss of young life, particularly because the incident involved teens who were just beginning their lives. Ferris ISD, the local school district, has posted a statement on its social media platforms, offering condolences for the tragic loss of a student and expressing their support for the grieving family and community. As the investigation continues, many are left grappling with the senseless violence that unfolded in their small town.
Moving Forward
As authorities continue their search for more suspects and work to piece together the details of this tragic event, the residents of Ferris are left to mourn the loss of a young life. The shooting, which occurred in broad daylight in a public park, has left an indelible mark on the community. As investigations move forward, the hope is that justice will be served, and those responsible for the violence will be held accountable. The residents, however, are left to cope with the deep emotional scars of the tragic events that unfolded on a Saturday afternoon in their otherwise peaceful neighborhood.
