A simple act of politeness turned deadly on Tuesday afternoon when a disagreement over the failure to say “thank you” led to the fatal shooting of a woman outside a Dallas shopping center.
According to Dallas Police, 22-year-old Keona Hampton has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly shooting 41-year-old Cecilia Simpson following a heated confrontation that began inside a Five Below store at Wheatland Towne Crossing.
Police said officers responded to reports of gunfire around 1 p.m. in the 2500 block of West Wheatland Road.
When they arrived, they found Simpson with multiple gunshot wounds in the parking lot near PetSmart.
She was rushed to Methodist Central Hospital by Dallas Fire-Rescue, where she was pronounced dead.
The incident began when Simpson reportedly held the door open for Hampton as they exited Five Below, but became upset when Hampton did not express gratitude.
According to the arrest affidavit, “Simpson held the door open for the suspect Hampton as they exited Five Below, but became upset when Hampton didn’t say ‘thank you.’”
A verbal dispute followed, and Simpson, along with an unnamed witness, drove to PetSmart in the same shopping complex, telling employees that Hampton was following them.
Moments later, Hampton entered the store and continued arguing with the witness before leaving only to return a few minutes later, police said.
Employees reportedly asked all parties to leave the store after the argument intensified.
In the parking lot, the situation escalated further when Hampton allegedly threw a drink bottle at Simpson’s car.
Simpson then approached Hampton, and the two began fighting.
According to witnesses, Simpson struck Hampton several times while shouting at her to leave.
The affidavit stated that when the witness stepped away, Hampton pulled out a black and silver handgun and fired three shots, striking Simpson. She collapsed instantly.
Surveillance footage showed Hampton fleeing in a damaged black 2005 Ford 500.
Later that day, police located the vehicle at an apartment complex on John West Road, where Hampton was seen standing on a balcony.
By 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, officers had tracked and arrested her during a traffic stop on Trail Glen Drive.
During questioning, Hampton reportedly admitted to the verbal and physical altercation, throwing the drink bottle, and ultimately firing the shots.
She told detectives she was “just trying to get [Simpson] away from her,” according to the affidavit.
The Dallas Police Department confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with further information to contact Detective T. Gross (#9896) via email at theodore.gross@dallaspolice.gov or by phone at (214) 671-3143.
