The celebration following South Oak Cliff High School’s state championship victory ended in tragedy Saturday night when an 18-year-old football player was arrested in connection with the shooting of a teammate inside a southwest Dallas home. According to an arrest warrant affidavit from the Dallas Police Department and information provided by sources to WFAA, what began as a gathering to mark the team’s win in the UIL 5A Division II State Championship game escalated into a shooting that left another teen injured.
Police say the incident occurred inside a short-term rental home where several teens had gathered after South Oak Cliff defeated Richmond Randle earlier that day. The wounded player, who is a minor, was taken for medical treatment and is reported to be in stable condition. Authorities have described the case as involving a firearm discharged during the gathering, with the suspect allegedly admitting to firing the shot that struck the victim. The arrest has drawn attention across the Dallas community, particularly given the prominence of South Oak Cliff’s football program and the recent championship victory that had been widely celebrated.
Details of the Shooting and Police Response
Dallas police officers responded to a shooting call around 9:32 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, in the 6400 block of Knoll Ridge Drive in southwest Dallas, according to the arrest affidavit. When officers arrived, they discovered that a teen had been shot inside a two-story home. Sources told WFAA that the gathering appeared to be a post-game celebration following South Oak Cliff’s championship win earlier that evening.
The arrest affidavit identifies the suspect as 18-year-old Xavier Mayfield, a South Oak Cliff football player who had participated in the state championship game and recorded an interception. Police allege that Mayfield was holding a rifle in an upstairs bathroom when the victim, another South Oak Cliff football player, called out to him by name. According to Mayfield’s statement to police, as he turned toward the victim, a single gunshot was fired from the rifle he was holding.
The affidavit states that the bullet traveled into a nearby bedroom where the victim was standing and struck him in the neck. A witness who was also inside the home told investigators that he had been in the bedroom with the victim moments before the shooting. The witness said they had been looking at photos from the football game earlier in the day when he observed Mayfield swinging the rifle. According to the affidavit, Mayfield allegedly told the witness that the rifle’s safety was on. As the witness walked away from the bedroom, he heard a single gunshot.
After the shooting, Mayfield told police that he intended to take the victim to the hospital himself. The affidavit notes that Mayfield began walking with the injured teen down the stairs toward the first floor of the home. However, due to the severity of the bleeding, a 911 call was made shortly afterward. Emergency responders arrived, and the wounded player was transported for medical care. Police have stated that the victim is in stable condition.
South Oak Cliff Player Arrested After Accidental Shooting Hours After State Championship Win.
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Neighbors in the area reported seeing a significant police presence following the shooting. Some shared video showing officers arriving at the scene. According to neighbors, the home where the incident occurred is a short-term rental property and is the only such rental in that neighborhood. Police arrested Mayfield at the scene and charged him with one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was later booked into the Dallas County Jail, where records show he is being held on a $50,000 bond.
Information About the Victim, the Suspect, and the Team
WFAA has not named the player who was shot because he is a minor. Police confirmed that both the victim and the suspect attend South Oak Cliff High School and are members of the school’s football team. The incident occurred just hours after the team’s state championship victory, a milestone achievement that had drawn praise and attention from across the district and the city.
Xavier Mayfield, according to sources, had played in the championship game earlier that day and contributed on defense with an interception. His arrest has raised questions and concerns within the school community, particularly given the circumstances surrounding the incident and the close connection between the suspect and the victim.
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WFAA reached out to the Dallas Independent School District for comment regarding the incident and its impact on the school and football program. As of Monday, district officials had not responded.
The shooting has underscored the complex intersection of youth, firearms, and celebratory gatherings. While sources told WFAA that the shooting appeared to be accidental, the charge filed against Mayfield reflects the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case. Under Texas law, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is a felony offense that can carry significant legal consequences if the suspect is convicted.
Investigators are continuing to review evidence, including witness statements and the circumstances leading up to the discharge of the firearm. The arrest affidavit outlines the sequence of events as described by Mayfield and witnesses, but further details may emerge as the case moves through the legal process.
Community Reaction and Official Statements
The incident has prompted reaction from community leaders and those closely connected to South Oak Cliff High School. Dallas City Council Member Maxie Johnson, who represents the area and has longstanding ties to the school, spoke publicly about the shooting and its impact. Johnson said he volunteers daily at South Oak Cliff High School and described the incident as a shock.
Johnson referenced ongoing efforts by coaches, administrators, and community members to educate students about violence and responsible behavior. He said discussions about gun violence are frequent within the school community and emphasized the concern shared by educators and leaders following the shooting. Johnson also spoke from personal experience, noting that he lost his own son to gun violence. He said incidents like this have lasting effects on families, schools, and neighborhoods, regardless of when they occur.
According to Johnson, the goal within the school community is to teach students values that extend beyond athletics, including how to handle success and challenges responsibly. He acknowledged that despite guidance and support, mistakes can occur when young people are away from structured environments.
The shooting has cast a shadow over what had been a celebratory moment for South Oak Cliff High School, whose football team had just secured a state title. While the team’s achievement remains significant, attention has shifted to the legal case, the recovery of the injured player, and the broader implications for the school and community.
As of the latest reports, Mayfield remains in custody at the Dallas County Jail with bond set at $50,000. The victim continues to recover, and authorities have indicated that the investigation is ongoing. Further court proceedings are expected to determine how the case will move forward within the justice system.