A 41-year-old woman was killed outside a Dallas PetSmart following what began as a dispute when she held the door open for a younger woman who did not say “thank you.”
Authorities say the incident unfolded around 1 p.m. as the victim, Cecilia Simpson, and her 20-year-old daughter were walking from a nearby Five Below store. Simpson had opened the door for the other party, 22-year-old Keona Zachyua Hampton, and tensions rose when the gratitude was not expressed.
The pair drove to the same shopping center’s PetSmart, where employees were told that Hampton was following them. Hampton entered the store and exchanged words with Simpson’s daughter before exiting and returning minutes later. Outside, she allegedly threw a bottle at Simpson’s vehicle, prompting a physical confrontation.
During the struggle, Hampton drew a handgun and fired three shots, striking Simpson multiple times. Despite attempts by an ER nurse on scene and emergency responders, Simpson later died at a hospital.
Hampton was arrested later that evening following a traffic stop and is now charged with murder. She told police she only pulled the firearm after the situation turned physical. Bail has not been set and the investigation is ongoing.