22-Year-Old Keona Zachyua Hampton Shot and Killed Cecilia Simpson for Not Saying Thank You After Holding Door Open

In a shocking incident that has left the Dallas community reeling, 41-year-old Cecilia Simpson was fatally shot in a shopping center parking lot on October 7, 2025, following a dispute over basic courtesy. The suspect, 22-year-old Keona Zachyua Hampton, allegedly opened fire after an argument escalated from Simpson holding a door open for her without receiving a “thank you.” Dallas police arrested Hampton later that evening, charging her with murder. This midday tragedy unfolded in the Southeast Oak Cliff neighborhood, highlighting the dangers of unchecked tempers in everyday encounters.

Authorities confirmed the details through witness statements and an arrest affidavit, underscoring how a minor slight spiraled into deadly violence. The shooting occurred around 1 p.m. in the 3500 block of West Wheatland Road, outside a PetSmart store. Simpson, a local resident known for her community involvement, was transported to Methodist Central Hospital by Dallas Fire-Rescue but succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds. Keona Zachyua Hampton, who fled the scene in her vehicle, was apprehended during a routine traffic stop hours later.

According to police reports, she waived her Miranda rights and confessed to the altercation, claiming she fired her weapon only to “get Simpson away from her.” No bond has been set for Keona Zachyua Hampton, who remains in Dallas County Jail as the investigation continues. Eyewitness accounts and official documents paint a clear picture of rapid escalation.

The Dallas Police Department’s homicide unit has classified the case as a targeted altercation rather than random violence, with no prior connection between the two women. Community leaders expressed outrage, calling for increased awareness of conflict de-escalation. As details emerge, this case serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of public safety in urban retail spaces.

The Initial Confrontation at Five Below

The chain of events began innocently enough inside a Five Below store at the Wheatland Towne Crossing shopping center. Cecilia Simpson and her 20-year-old daughter were wrapping up their shopping when they exited the store around noon. As they held the door open for another customer—later identified as Keona Zachyua Hampton—Simpson expected a simple acknowledgment. When Keona Zachyua Hampton passed through without saying “thank you,” Simpson voiced her displeasure, leading to an immediate verbal exchange.

According to the arrest affidavit, Simpson’s daughter, who is not being named for safety reasons, corroborated the account. She told detectives that her mother was “upset” by the perceived rudeness, a sentiment that quickly turned into raised voices. Hampton responded defensively, escalating the tone from polite correction to heated argument. The dispute lasted only moments but set the stage for what followed. Store surveillance footage, reviewed by police, captured the brief interaction but did not show physical contact at this point.

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Simpson and her daughter then proceeded to their car, opting to drive a short distance to the adjacent PetSmart for pet supplies. Unbeknownst to them, Hampton had also left the Five Below and was moving through the parking lot. Witnesses reported seeing Hampton glance toward Simpson’s vehicle, though it’s unclear if this was intentional following. Dallas police emphasized that the initial trigger—a lack of gratitude for a courteous act—highlights how small oversights can ignite larger conflicts. Investigators noted no weapons were visible during this phase, and the argument remained verbal.

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This opening salvo reflects broader societal discussions on etiquette in public spaces. In a city like Dallas, where diverse populations interact daily in commercial hubs, such incidents underscore the need for mutual respect. Police have not released audio from the exchange, but the daughter’s statement describes Simpson as attempting to assert basic manners, a stance that tragically backfired.

Escalation Inside and Outside PetSmart

The tension reignited moments later at PetSmart, where Simpson and her daughter sought refuge and continued shopping. Hampton entered the store shortly after, spotting the pair near the entrance. She approached Simpson’s daughter directly, reigniting the verbal dispute by referencing the earlier incident. “Why didn’t you say thank you?” echoed in the aisle, drawing attention from other shoppers and employees.

PetSmart staff intervened promptly, asking all parties to leave the premises to prevent further disruption. The affidavit details how Hampton exited first, only to return minutes later, pacing outside and waiting for Simpson to emerge. This behavior alarmed Simpson, who informed a store manager that she felt followed. As Simpson and her daughter headed to their car, Hampton allegedly hurled a plastic bottle at the vehicle, striking it and prompting Simpson to exit and confront her once more.

What began as words turned physical in the parking lot. Simpson, described by family as protective and no-nonsense, struck Hampton several times while yelling, “Leave me alone!” The daughter attempted to pull her mother back, stepping away briefly to call for help. It was at this critical juncture that Hampton drew a black-and-silver handgun from her waistband. She fired three shots in rapid succession, with at least two striking Simpson in the torso and upper body.

Onlookers in the busy lot scattered as the gunfire rang out, with one witness dialing 911 immediately. The entire sequence—from re-entry to shots fired—unfolded in under five minutes, per timestamps in the police report. Hampton then fled in her car, heading east on Wheatland Road. Responding officers secured the scene, recovering three spent shell casings and the discarded bottle. No other injuries were reported, and the store temporarily closed for investigation.

This phase of the incident reveals patterns of persistence and poor judgment. Hampton’s decision to re-engage after staff intervention violated basic de-escalation protocols. Police bodycam footage from the arrest shows Hampton cooperative but emotional, reiterating her self-defense claim. Forensic teams confirmed the weapon matched the casings, bolstering the case against her.

Arrest, Charges, and Community Fallout

Keona Zachyua Hampton’s arrest came swiftly, around 7 p.m. on October 7, during a traffic stop on Interstate 20 by Dallas County Sheriff’s deputies. Officers, tipped off by license plate readers, pulled her over for a minor violation and recognized her from circulated descriptions. A pat-down revealed no weapon, but her vehicle yielded clothing consistent with witness sketches. After transport to Dallas Police Headquarters, Hampton provided a recorded statement admitting to the fight and shooting but denying intent to kill.

Charged with first-degree murder, Hampton faces up to life in prison if convicted. The affidavit cites premeditation based on her return to the store and arming herself prior to the physical clash. Prosecutors have 90 days to file formal indictments, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for late October. Hampton’s public defender has not commented, but sources indicate a self-defense motion may be pursued, emphasizing the punches from Simpson.

Cecilia Simpson’s death has devastated her family. A mother of three and active volunteer at local churches, she leaves behind her daughter—who witnessed the horror—and two sons. A vigil was held October 9 at the shopping center, attended by over 100 residents. Speakers, including Simpson’s pastor, decried the “senseless loss over nothing,” urging bystanders to prioritize safety over confrontation. Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson issued a statement condemning gun violence in retail areas, pledging increased patrols.

The incident has sparked online debates about personal responsibility and concealed carry laws in Texas. Advocacy groups like Moms Demand Action highlighted it as a cautionary tale for permit holders, noting Hampton’s legal firearm possession. Conversely, Second Amendment supporters argue the focus should be on the physical assault preceding the shots. Statistically, Dallas recorded 152 homicides in 2025 so far, with altercations comprising 28%, per police data.

As the legal process unfolds, this case compels reflection on everyday interactions. What starts as a forgotten pleasantry can end in tragedy without swift disengagement. For Simpson’s family, justice remains the immediate goal, but prevention through awareness is the long-term imperative. Dallas authorities continue canvassing for additional witnesses, ensuring all facts align before trial.