Messiah Dewayne Taplin, a four-year-old boy from Arlington, Texas, was shot in the head and killed just after midnight on January 1, 2021 at an apartment complex while people were celebrating the New Year. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner identified Messiah as the victim.

Police arrested 21-year-old Zantyler Foster-Hooks and charged him with manslaughter. Investigators say Foster-Hooks was celebrating with a firearm when it accidentally discharged and struck Messiah. Foster-Hooks initially told officers the bullet came from outside the apartment, but evidence and witness statements contradicted that claim. Four adults were present in the apartment; the exact relationship between Messiah and those adults is not clear. Foster-Hooks was booked into the Arlington City Jail and bond had not been set immediately.

Anyone who was at the apartment that night or has information about the shooting is asked to come forward.