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
Elgin Public Schools Teacher Holly Hill Dies From Complications Two Years After Drinking Poisoned Margarita
ELGIN, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has launched a formal investigation into the death of Holly Hill, a 30-year-old teacher, wife, and mother from Elgin, Oklahoma, who died last week from long-term medical complications reportedly caused by ingesting a poisoned margarita at a local restaurant in 2023.
OSBI officials confirmed that the investigation began at the request of Comanche County District Attorney Kyle Cabelka following Hill’s death on Thursday.
According to Hill’s family, her health issues began on Valentine’s Day 2023, when she dined at Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill in Elgin.
During the evening, Hill ordered a second margarita that, unbeknownst to her, contained a highly caustic industrial cleaning chemical rather than the intended cocktail ingredients.
“Her mouth was on fire, and she knew something wasn’t right,” recalled Kelly Hunter, Hill’s mother. “She immediately jumped up and ran to the bathroom, started throwing up, and rinsing her mouth out with water.”
The ingestion caused severe internal burns to Hill’s esophagus and digestive tract, leading to two years of intense medical treatment.
Hill underwent more than 60 medical procedures, including repeated esophageal dilations and surgeries, as doctors attempted to repair the extensive damage.
Despite her deteriorating health, Hill continued teaching at Elgin Public Schools, where she was described as a dedicated educator loved by her students and colleagues.
In the days leading up to her death, Hill’s family believed she was finally recovering.
On October 17, doctors reportedly told them that her esophagus appeared to be healing. However, her condition suddenly worsened, and she went into cardiac arrest as medical staff prepared to transfer her. “As they were trying to get her ready to transport her, they lost her pulse,” Hunter said.
Hill’s family previously filed a civil lawsuit against Hacienda Las Margaritas, which was settled confidentially earlier this year, according to their attorney.
Following her death, the family is renewing calls for accountability and public awareness.
“The number one thing we really want at this point is for people to be aware of what happened at that restaurant and to quit supporting them,” Hunter said. “We want them to be held accountable for taking my daughter’s life. It might have been a long fight, but ultimately, they are the cause.”
The restaurant has not issued a recent public statement regarding Hill’s death. In a 2023 social media post, management wrote:
“We have never walked away from responsibility and will continue to support them in any way possible while our insurance company is on the case.”
Local officials confirmed that Elgin Police requested assistance from OSBI, and investigators are now reviewing evidence related to the original 2023 incident and Hill’s recent death.
In a statement, Elgin Public Schools expressed deep sorrow over Hill’s passing, describing her as “an Owl through and through” and asking the community to keep her family in their thoughts and prayers.
Hill leaves behind her husband and young child, as well as a community still reeling from a tragedy that began with what should have been an ordinary night out.