Crime
Victim Fatally Shot at Red Bird Mall in Dallas Identified
DALLAS, TEXAS — A well-known small business owner was tragically shot and killed Tuesday afternoon inside The Shops at RedBird, according to mall officials and Dallas police.
The victim has been identified as Jaime Rokkett, owner of the popular cookie and smoothie shop Cookies ’N Smoothies, located within the shopping center.
Dallas police officers responded to a shooting call around 4:00 p.m. in the 3600 block of West Camp Wisdom Road.
Upon arrival, they located Shepard with a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts from Dallas Fire-Rescue, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say the suspect and victim were acquainted, and the shooting appears to have been a targeted incident, not a random act of violence.
After fleeing the scene, the female suspect later turned herself in to authorities at the Arlington Police Department, where she was taken into custody without further incident.
The Shops at RedBird confirmed the identity of the victim, and news of his passing has sparked an outpouring of grief from the local business community.
Brandon Denson, a long-time mentee and friend of Jaime — affectionately known as “Mr. Jay” — shared a heartfelt tribute:
“One of my mentors, Mr. Jay, has tragically been shot and killed at his cookie business. I’m deeply hurt by this news. Mr. Jay taught me a great deal about the shirt printing business. We’ve had a professional relationship since 2016, and when he shifted to focus on his cookie business, I bought some of his equipment. We worked on multiple creative projects, and he was always encouraging and kind. Just last week, we shared a conversation about life and business. His loss is devastating and deeply personal.”
Denson noted Shepard’s positive influence extended to his family and community, adding that “Mr. Jay was always kind to my children and supported me unconditionally. This is a terrible loss.”
The ownership of The Shops at RedBird issued the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred today at The Shops at RedBird. Our thoughts are with everyone affected during this incredibly difficult time.
This was an isolated, targeted event involving individuals known to one another — not a random act of violence. We are fully cooperating with local law enforcement in their investigation and remain committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for our shoppers, employees, and tenants.
The Shops at RedBird has a robust security program, including 24/7 patrols, surveillance systems, and close collaboration with law enforcement. We will continue to review and strengthen our safety protocols in response to this incident. We are grateful to our first responders and security personnel for their swift action.”
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Dallas) responded to the shooting on social media, writing:
“My heart is with the loved ones of the victim, and I’m grateful to law enforcement for acting quickly.”
The identity of the suspect and potential charges have not yet been released.
The Dallas Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact authorities.
The Dallas community continues to mourn the loss of a respected entrepreneur and mentor whose presence left a lasting impact on many.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.