Woman fatally shoots ex inside The Shops at RedBird mall in Dallas, police say
A woman is accused of fatally shooting her ex-boyfriend Tuesday inside a Dallas mall in what authorities described as a domestic-related incident that unfolded at his cookie shop, Dallas police said.
Officers responded at about 3:50 p.m. to reports of gunfire at The Shops at RedBird, located in the 3600 block of West Camp Wisdom Road.
According to police, the suspect, later identified as 43-year-old Rashona Lowe, allegedly shot a man, later identified as 53-year-old Jaime Rokkett.
Police said Lowe turned herself in to the Arlington Police Department, where she allegedly told authorities she was involved in a domestic situation with her ex and used a hand gesture indicating she shot someone. Lowe also shared that she had left the weapon at the scene.
She was then transported to the Dallas Police Department.
Lowe is currently in the Dallas County jail on a murder charge.
DPD said Lowe and Rokkett knew each other, but the department hasn't released any further information on their connection.
Surveillance videos shows shooting at The Shops at RedBird
According to the arrest affidavit, a surveillance video shows Lowe walking to the Cookies-N-Smoothies, which Rokkett owned. The two were seen having a conversation that lasted about an hour. Then, the video shows Lowe pulling out a handgun, firing multiple times before jumping over the counter and firing several more rounds at Rokkett.
According to the affidavit, Rokkett was hit in the head, chest and legs before Lowe jumped back over the counter, leaving the handgun on it.
A witness told officers that they saw Lowe running and crying and asked if she was okay.
Lowe then fled the scene in an SUV, police said.
Dallas police interviewed the victim's wife
During an interview with a detective, DPD said Rokkett's wife shared that a woman had been harassing him for a while, naming Lowe.
The wife told the detective there was a restraining order against Lowe.
Criminologist: System failed victim
Criminologist Dr. Alex del Carmen called the case "a clear failure of the system."
"It's a clear failure of what the system did with this particular information," del Carmen said.
While restraining orders can be effective, they are not always enough to prevent violence, he said.
"They are very useful in the sense that what they do is they set forth a warning to the suspect that if they, in fact, violate the restraining order, then there's going to be a criminal penalty," he said.
Gender dynamics in violence
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, one in six women has been a victim of stalking, compared to one in 19 men. Del Carmen said the gender dynamic in this case may have surprised some.
"That's why some people were very surprised that a woman would actually engage in this degree of violence against a male victim … and that sadly, his life was lost," he said.
Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce, councilmember offer condolences
Wednesday morning, the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce released a statement on behalf of the Shops at RedBird, offering condolences to the victim's family and community and thanking the first responders.
In part, it read, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred Tuesday at The Shops at RedBird. Our thoughts are with everyone affected during this incredibly difficult time."
The Chamber shared that it is cooperating with law enforcement and ensured that safety is the top priority for customers at the mall.
"The Shops at Red Bird has a comprehensive security program in place and a strong partnership with local police. We will be reviewing all aspects of this incident closely and taking any additional steps necessary to maintain a safe and welcoming environment."
Councilmember Lorie Blair expressed her condolences to the victim's family and loved ones.
"I urge anyone with information to cooperate fully with law enforcement and trust in the professionalism of our police and public safety teams," Blair said.
She added that she is in communication with the Dallas Police Department and remains committed to "keeping the public informed as more details emerge."
The investigation is ongoing, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call (214) 671-3646.
