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Dallas Woman Fatally Shot After Argument Over Held Door Escalates
A disagreement that reportedly began over a simple act of holding a door open tragically escalated into a fatal shooting in a southwest Dallas shopping center parking lot on Tuesday afternoon. Authorities have arrested 22-year-old Keona Hampton in connection with the death of 41-year-old Cecilia Simpson, who was shot multiple times.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by ABC News, the confrontation unfolded when Simpson allegedly became upset with Hampton for not thanking her after she held a door open. The initial verbal dispute occurred as Simpson and a witness were leaving a store at the same time as Hampton.
The affidavit details how Simpson and the witness then drove to another store within the shopping center. Employees at this second location were informed by Simpson and her companion that Hampton was following them.
Hampton subsequently entered the store, continuing the verbal dispute with the witness. After leaving briefly, Hampton returned and again engaged in a verbal altercation with Simpson, prompting employees to ask both parties to leave the premises.
The dispute continued into the parking lot, where tensions further flared. Hampton allegedly threw a bottle at Simpson’s vehicle as Simpson and the witness were getting inside.
Simpson then reportedly confronted Hampton, leading to a physical altercation. The witness intervened, striking Hampton several times while attempting to separate the women.
At this point, Hampton is accused of drawing a handgun and firing three shots at Simpson.
Dallas police stated that Cecilia Simpson was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Keona Hampton reportedly fled the scene before officers arrived. Detectives, however, obtained cellphone footage capturing the physical altercation and surveillance footage showing Hampton’s vehicle leaving the area. Police later located Hampton on an apartment balcony and subsequently arrested her during a traffic stop.
Following her arrest, Hampton allegedly admitted to police that she shot Simpson after a fight, stating she was “just trying to get [Simpson] away from her,” according to the affidavit.
Keona Hampton is currently being held without bond in a Dallas County jail, charged with murder. It is unclear if she has legal representation at this time.