Dispute over alleged harassment leads to killing in northwest Dallas

Photo byCasey ConnellonUnsplash

A man got fatally shot after having an argument in a motel located in northwest Dallas, according to the authorities.

The dispute was about an allegation of harassment of a teen. Unfortunately, the argument got worse until it finally escalated into a deadly shooting, as stated in the arrest warrant affidavit.

Don Durant Solomon, 63, has been charged with murder after Byron Thompkins was fatally shot. The incident took place in a motel's parking lot close to West Northwest Highway, in the 10300 block of Gardner Road.

Jail records show that Solomon has been booked into the Dallas County jail. It's not clear if the man has an attorney or not.

Thompkins confronted Solomon at about 9:25 p.m. on a weekend, alleging that Solomon was harassing Thompkins's girlfriend's daughter, a 17-year-old teen, based on the affidavit.

A few minutes after the argument began, Thompkins walked away briefly and then came back. The dispute resumed and a witness drove up near them and tried to talk to them.

After that, Thompkins got closer to Solomon, who took a handgun out of his pocket and shot him at about 9:36 p.m.

Thompkins immediately went into a motel room and dialed 911. His family was there, and he was taken to a hospital. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the medical facility, the affidavit adds.

Solomon got into his car, called 911, and drove across the street. The suspect was told to get back to the motel and meet the police. Solomon told the officers that he shot Thompkins.

After being taken to police headquarters and interviewed by investigators, he said that Thompkins "lunged at him and threatened to kill him" as he was holding shanks in each hand.

Solomon admitted he wasn't sure if he saw those weapons but said he spotted them earlier as he and Thompkins were arguing, and he walked away.

Detectives watched surveillance footage and concluded that Thompkins had no weapons in his hands and didn't lunge at Solomon.

Witnesses also stated that Thompkins didn't have any weapons.

Solomon's bail was set at $1 million. He remains in jail.