Deep Ellum Violence: Four killed in three separate Halloween shootings
Families of the victims describe their loved ones as a father, a nurse, and an aspiring artist while Dallas police detail the rapid sequence of gunfire in the district.
By Ella Cox ·
The Deep Ellum neighborhood in Dallas was closed to traffic overnight following a series of gunfights that left four people dead and 15 others injured. The incident occurred on Halloween night, with the first shots reported near midnight and the final victim found shortly after 1:30 a.m. Police described the events as three distinct shootings that happened within minutes of one another, forcing a rapid police response across the district.
Dallas police stated the first shooting took place in the parking lot of a convenience store on the 2600 block of Elm Street. An altercation resulted in five people being shot. Minutes later, gunfire broke out along Commerce Street near South Crowdus Street, killing three people. The third incident occurred around 1:35 a.m. on the 200 block of South Crowdus Street, where one person died.
Among the deceased was 28-year-old Unique Benjamin, a certified nursing assistant originally from Chicago. Her best friend, Oshshanae Rose, said she was driving to find parking to meet Benjamin when the gunfire started. Rose described Benjamin as a hard worker with a positive spirit who loved to dress up. "I just can't believe she's gone," Rose said. "I was a minute away."
Anthony Martin, 25, also known as Quincy McCleary, was another victim. His sister, Ashley Martin, said her brother's body was pulled from a car. Martin described her brother as a rapper and video game enthusiast who was generous with his belongings. "I'm so mad, I'm mad, but I know I have to be strong," Martin said. She added that the community is hurting and that children are affected by the violence.
Isaiah Boling, 20, was identified as a father of two. His children, a two-year-old son and a one-year-old daughter, are with their mother, Thalia Tracey. The medical examiner also identified Kanisea Scott, 21, as the fourth victim. Scott's family did not return a request for comment regarding the loss.
The three shootings left the neighborhood shut down as families gathered to remember the victims. Friends and relatives described the individuals as innocent bystanders and community members who were simply going about their evening. The police investigation continues to determine the connection between the three separate locations and the individuals involved in the gunfire.
