Crime
3-year-old Dawson Zamora dies following severe injuries inflicted by his mother’s boyfriend Christopher Alexander
McKinney, Texas — In an emotional public statement, Dahrian Zamora announced the tragic passing of his three-year-old son, Dawson, and provided critical updates regarding the criminal investigation surrounding the case.
Zamora stated that his son Dawson passed away on December 7 at 10:42 a.m. — a date that also marks his own birthday. He shared that Dawson “held on to spend one last birthday with me and refused to go until then,” describing the loss as a profound and unimaginable tragedy. “My heart is extremely heavy,” he said, emphasizing that he chose to address the public directly to prevent speculation and ensure accuracy as the case moves forward.
Zamora also confirmed that Dawson’s mother, Chelsea Berg, has been taken into custody and is now charged with Capital Murder.
He noted that authorities are pursuing the highest-level charge available due to what he described as Berg’s “lack of effort in protecting our children.” A six-page arrest affidavit is expected to become public, which he warned contains deeply painful details.
“My son didn’t have to die — this could have been prevented,” Zamora said. “He should have been protected, and now he was murdered. My three-year-old was murdered, and I’m left carrying this. I don’t know where to go from here.”
Zamora requested prayers and support for himself and his daughter Harper as they navigate the devastating loss. “I’m 31 years old having to bury my three-year-old son,” he said. “We shouldn’t have to bury our children. This is my first experience with death, and I’m taking it day by day, decision by decision.”
He extended his gratitude to family, friends, community members, and even strangers who have supported him, as well as to medical personnel who fought to save Dawson’s life and allowed him the opportunity to hold his son during his final moments. He also thanked law enforcement, prosecutors, and his attorney for their efforts in seeking justice.
Background on the Case
Prior to Dawson’s passing, the child had been hospitalized in critical condition following severe injuries allegedly inflicted by his mother’s boyfriend, Christopher Alexander.
Authorities report that Dawson was left alone with Alexander when the attack occurred. Alexander later brought the unresponsive child to a local emergency room, where medical staff found Dawson in cardiac arrest. After approximately eight minutes of CPR, doctors were able to revive him. He was subsequently airlifted to a Dallas hospital for specialized treatment, where he was placed on life support due to extensive brain swelling.
Early medical assessments indicated significant neurological damage, with the right side of Dawson’s brain reportedly unresponsive.
Both Berg and Alexander were previously arrested and charged with Injury to a Child, a felony under Texas law.
Alexander faces an additional stalking charge stemming from prior incidents. With Dawson’s death, charges have now escalated.
Prior to her arrest on capital murder charges, Berg had bonded out of jail and was reportedly seeking power of attorney over Dawson’s medical care. Family members and advocates raised concerns, alleging that she intended to keep Dawson on life support to prevent homicide charges if he succumbed to his injuries.
Critics described her actions as manipulative and inconsistent with her public image as a caring mother.
The McKinney Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Dawson’s death. Authorities have not released additional details as the case remains active.
Meanwhile, the community continues to rally around the Zamora family, holding vigils and advocating for accountability.
Zamora has requested continued prayers and support as he mourns the loss of his son and seeks justice on his behalf.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.