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.
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.