DALLAS, TX – A tragic confrontation outside a Five Below store in southeast Oak Cliff left 41-year-old Cecilia Simpson dead after a dispute over a simple act of courtesy escalated into violence. Simpson was allegedly shot multiple times by 22-year-old Keona Hampton in the parking lot, in front of her 20-year-old daughter, police report.
The Incident at Five Below
According to authorities, the altercation began when Simpson held the door open for Hampton at the 3500 block of West Wheatland. Hampton allegedly entered the store without saying “thank you,” which reportedly upset Simpson. A verbal argument ensued between the two women, police said.
Simpson and her daughter then left the store and drove to a PetSmart in the same shopping center, attempting to avoid further confrontation. Hampton allegedly followed them, prompting Simpson to alert store employees about the ongoing dispute. Both women were asked to leave the PetSmart store after another argument broke out.
Confrontation Escalates in Parking Lot
Once outside in the parking lot, Simpson and her daughter tried to leave. According to reports, Hampton threw a drink bottle at their vehicle, which led Simpson to exit her car and confront Hampton physically. Witnesses described Simpson delivering physical strikes while yelling for Hampton to back off.
At this point, Hampton allegedly pulled out a handgun and began firing at Simpson, striking her multiple times. Witnesses reported hearing Hampton saying, “Come outside. Let’s handle this outside. Let’s fight outside.” Emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures, but Simpson succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Witness Accounts and Daughter’s Trauma
An ER nurse who witnessed the incident attempted to provide first aid and described the daughter as hysterical, witnessing her mother being shot.
“The daughter was next to the mom the whole time,” a witness said. “It’s hard, you know, because the screaming of a child for her mother is never easy and it’s never going to leave my head.”
Arrest and Charges
Authorities tracked Hampton using surveillance video and her license plate information, arresting her later that evening following a traffic stop. Hampton allegedly told police she shot Simpson in self-defense, claiming she was trying to get Simpson away from her.
Hampton is currently booked into Dallas County Jail, and bond has not yet been set. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
Call to Action
This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of disputes escalating into violence. Share your thoughts in the comments below on how communities can prevent confrontations from turning deadly and protect families from public acts of violence.
