Dallas Mother Killed Outside PetSmart After Confronting Shopper Who Didn’t Say “Thank You”
DALLAS, TEXAS – What began as a simple disagreement over politeness ended in tragedy Tuesday when a 41-year-old Dallas mother was shot and killed in front of her 20-year-old daughter, police said.
Argument Over “Thank You” Turns Fatal
Authorities identified the suspect as Keona Hampton, 22, who allegedly gunned down Cecilia Simpson in the parking lot of a PetSmart after a heated confrontation that began at a nearby Five Below store.
According to an arrest affidavit, Simpson and her daughter were leaving the Five Below in the 3500 block of West Wheatland Road when Simpson held the door open for Hampton — who walked in without acknowledging her.
Offended, Simpson reportedly said something to Hampton about not saying “thank you,” which sparked an argument between the two women.
Followed Across the Parking Lot
Police said Simpson and her daughter tried to de-escalate the situation by leaving the store and driving to a nearby PetSmart in the same shopping center.
However, Hampton allegedly followed them, reigniting the confrontation inside the PetSmart. Employees asked both women to leave after the argument grew tense.
Once outside, Hampton allegedly threw a drink bottle at Simpson’s car as she and her daughter tried to drive away.
“Let’s Handle This Outside”
A witness told FOX 4 Dallas that Hampton was overheard shouting, “Come outside, let’s handle this outside, let’s fight outside.”
Simpson got out of her vehicle and confronted Hampton, yelling at her to leave them alone. The women began fighting, and that’s when Hampton allegedly pulled a handgun and shot Simpson multiple times in front of her daughter.
An ER nurse who witnessed the shooting ran to help, performing CPR until first responders arrived, but Simpson died at the scene.
“The daughter was next to the mom the whole time,” the nurse said. “The screaming of a child for her mother is never easy — it’s never going to leave my head.”
Suspect Arrested After Traffic Stop
Police tracked Hampton’s vehicle using her license plate and arrested her later that evening after a traffic stop.
She reportedly told officers that she acted in self-defense, claiming Simpson was attacking her. Investigators, however, cited witness statements and surveillance footage contradicting that claim.
Hampton is now charged with murder and being held in the Dallas County Jail without bond.
The senseless killing has shaken the Dallas community and sparked conversations about anger, respect, and gun violence in everyday situations. For ongoing updates on local crime and safety, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.