A woman from Texas was tragically shot and killed in a PetSmart parking lot following an argument that stemmed from not receiving a “thank you” for holding the door, according to reports from law enforcement.
Cecilia Simpson, aged 41, was shot multiple times outside the PetSmart in Dallas on Tuesday around 1 p.m., as confirmed by Dallas police to FOX 4.
Authorities noted that a witness reported Simpson held the door open for Keona Zachyua Hampton, 22, at a nearby Five Below store, according to an arrest affidavit.
Apparently frustrated by Hampton’s lack of gratitude, Simpson initiated an argument. Afterward, Simpson and her daughter got into their vehicle and drove to the PetSmart, located in the same shopping area.
Upon entering PetSmart, Simpson informed the staff that they were being followed by Hampton.
Hampton then entered the store, instigating an argument with Simpson’s daughter.
After leaving the store, Hampton returned shortly and confronted Simpson again.
After being asked to exit the store, Hampton allegedly threw a bottle at the car Simpson and her daughter were in.
According to police accounts, a physical altercation erupted when Hampton brandished a firearm and purportedly shot Simpson three times.
During a traffic stop on Tuesday night, Hampton was arrested and admitted to the altercation with Simpson, but asserted that she only drew her weapon when the situation escalated physically.
Hampton now faces a murder charge and has been booked into jail, although her bail details remain unspecified.
An ER nurse who witnessed the shooting shared her account with FOX 4.
“The shooter was demanding, ‘Come outside. Let’s resolve this outside. Let’s fight outside.’ Meanwhile, the mother and daughter were just trying to get her to leave them alone,” the nurse recounted. “The mom and daughter attempted to enter their car to defuse the situation, but the woman persisted. They ended up in a fight, which led her to pull out the gun and shoot.”
The nurse mentioned that she administered CPR until paramedics arrived.
“The daughter was right beside her mom the whole time. It’s heart-wrenching because the cries of a child for her mother will forever haunt me,” she said. “I’ve had to hold back tears; as a high school student, my mom was incredibly pivotal in my life, and she inspired me to become a nurse, just like the rest of my family.”
