Marie Brooks, a 60-year-old woman, was found unresponsive on April 30, 2025, in the 3200 block of S. Lancaster Road in Dallas, Texas. Responders arrived shortly after 7:40 a.m.; Dallas Fire-Rescue confirmed her death and the Dallas Police Department classified the case as a homicide.

Surveillance footage from outside a strip mall in East Oak Cliff shows a suspect approach Brooks as she prepared to settle in for the night, uncover her, and then fire a shot that struck her in the chest. Police released video seeking public help; Detective Johnson asked anyone with information to come forward. The suspect is described in reports as a 15-year-old male; because of his age authorities have not disclosed his name.

Brooks was known among Dallas’ homeless community and had used shelters and resource centers over the years. Community members and advocates noted the vulnerability of unsheltered people after this random, violent attack. If anyone saw activity near the 3200 block of S. Lancaster Road on the morning of April 30, or recognizes the person in the released footage, please share information with investigators.