‘Thank You’ Dispute Turns Deadly at Dallas Shopping Center; 22-Year-Old Arrested

A seemingly minor disagreement regarding the lack of gratitude expressed after a door was held open escalated dramatically, culminating in a tragic shooting at a shopping center in Dallas on Tuesday, according to police reports.

In a tragic incident, authorities reported that 22-year-old Keona Hampton fatally shot 41-year-old Cecilia Simpson in the parking lot of a PetSmart located at the Wheatland Towne Crossing shopping center in southern Dallas. The altercation erupted just moments prior at a nearby Five Below store.

At approximately 1 p.m., law enforcement officials arrived at the 2500 block of West Wheatland Road following reports of gunfire in the area. According to Dallas police, Simpson was shot multiple times and subsequently transported to Methodist Central Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Hampton made a swift exit before the arrival of law enforcement but was apprehended later that night and faced charges of murder.

An arrest affidavit reveals that the altercation began when Simpson opened a door for Hampton, who failed to express gratitude with a “thank you.” Simpson's frustration escalated, resulting in a heated exchange of words. Simpson and a witness made their way to a nearby PetSmart, informing the employees that Hampton was tailing them.

Hampton walked into the PetSmart, engaged in a dispute with the witness, exited the store, and then came back just a few minutes later. After a prolonged dispute inside the store, employees requested that both women leave the premises, as stated in police reports.

Hampton reportedly threw a drink bottle at Simpson's vehicle in the parking lot. Simpson moved closer, and the situation escalated into a physical altercation. A witness reported to investigators that Simpson repeatedly hit Hampton while demanding that she depart.

As the witnesses distanced themselves, Hampton brandished a black and silver handgun, discharging it three times and hitting Simpson, as detailed in police reports. Footage from surveillance cameras showed Hampton making a swift getaway in a black 2005 Ford 500, which bore noticeable damage.

Authorities subsequently located the vehicle at an apartment complex on John West Road, where they found Hampton on a balcony. Authorities took her into custody following a traffic stop on Trail Glen Drive at approximately 7:45 p.m.

During a conversation with investigators, Hampton acknowledged her involvement in the confrontation and the subsequent shooting, stating that she was “just trying to get [Simpson] away from her,” as detailed in the affidavit.

The inquiry continues to unfold. Individuals possessing any relevant information are encouraged to reach out to Detective T. Gross at the Dallas Police Department via email at theodore.gross@dallaspolice.gov or by phone at (214) 671-3143.

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