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.
Donovan Joshua Leigh Metayer, a 26-year-old survivor of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, died by suicide on December 15, according to a statement shared by his family.
Metayer had endured significant mental health challenges for several years following the traumatic attack that claimed the lives of 17 people.
Metayer was a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School at the time of the February 14, 2018 shooting.
His family said the trauma of that day, coupled with the loss of classmates and the long-term psychological effects of the event, profoundly altered the trajectory of his life.
In the years that followed, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and struggled with depression, survivor’s guilt, emotional instability, and extended periods of isolation.
Despite these challenges, Metayer remained deeply loved by his family, who described him as intelligent, humorous, and compassionate. He underwent years of treatment that included therapy, psychiatric care, medication, and multiple hospitalizations related to suicidal ideation.
His sister, who shared the news of his death publicly, said he fought a seven-year battle with mental illness.
In recent years, Metayer made notable efforts to rebuild his life. He earned an information technology certification, secured employment at Office Depot, and received ongoing care through the Henderson Behavioral Health Clinic and a private psychiatrist.
His family said these steps reflected his determination to move forward despite persistent struggles.
Following a mental health crisis in 2021, Metayer was legally prohibited from purchasing a firearm under a Risk Protection Order.
That order expired earlier this month.
According to his family, within days of the order lapsing, he legally obtained a handgun and died by suicide at his home.
In the wake of his death, Metayer’s family has established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and to create a fund in his name at the Henderson Behavioral Health Clinic.
The fund is intended to support individuals facing behavioral health challenges and to improve access to mental health care in Florida.
His family said they hope his story serves as a reminder of the long-term effects of trauma and the urgent need for sustained mental health support, particularly for survivors of mass violence.
Those close to Metayer emphasized that his life mattered and that his death underscores the ongoing mental health crisis affecting young people across the country.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges or thoughts of suicide, help is available.
In the United States, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988, or by visiting 988lifeline.org. Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.